Slovenia’s Blaz Jarc takes opening time trial of Tour of Gallipoli 2011 - Cycling Update
Slovenia’s Blaz Jarc put in a tremendous performance in the opening time trial stage of Tour of Gallipoli 2011 on Thursday, September 29. The race started and finished in Truva Oren Yeri.
In the final kilometres, the 23-year-old Blaz out-sprinted a group of four cyclists and grabbed first place with the fastest time of 6 minutes and 51 seconds to cover the distance of 9 kilometres.
He was very happy with his performance and told the media, ''I did not expect, because I felt that the locals have the advantage, because they are more motivated. Neither I do not know how in good shape, it is already at the end of the season.”
He further added, “The course is varied and pleasing. In addition, it hindered us in a very strong side wind.”
The group of four cyclists made their breakaway lead and built a gap of a few seconds over the peloton as they got away. The group consisted of Blaz Jarc (Slovenia), Mustafa Sayar (Konya Torku Seker Spor-Vivelo), Mutlu Mert and Blaz Furdi (Slovenia).
With few kilometres to go, Mutlu Mert and Blaz Furdi launched an attack to catch the other two cyclists but they failed to hold the pace and were subsequently caught by the peloton. Mustafa Sayar showed his brilliant skills to take a lead, but the Champion
of Slovenia increased his pace and powered across the finish line to take the leader’s jersey.
Sayar was in runner-up spot at 25 seconds behind the Slovenian and Mutlu Mert was in third spot with a difference of 29 seconds ahead of his team-mate Blaz Furdi and Recep Unalan (Manisaspor Cycling Team).
Previously, Blaz won the Memorial Nevio Valcic and grabbed the third stage of ZLM Tour in 2010. He also secured the road race and took the title of Champion of Slovenia in 2009.
The overall race will end on Sunday and 51 cyclists will take part in the event. The cyclists were really excited for the second stage and it will start in Kilitbahir and cover a distance of 97 kilometres.
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