By Muhammed Enes Calli
ANKARA (AA) - Belgian cyclist Jasper Philipsen claimed the victory at the third stage of the 57th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkiye on Tuesday.
Alpecin–Fenix's rider Philipsen came first in 123 kilometer-ride (76 miles) between the town of Cesme and Izmir city in southwestern Turkiye.
Philipsen completed the race in 2:35.19.
Australian cyclist Kaden Groves finished in second, followed by Spanish Miguel Angel Fernandez, who completed in third.
Philipsen moved the top of the tour overall standings.
The eight-stage Tour of Turkiye spans a total distance of 1,303 km and will culminate in Istanbul on April 17.
The racers will change continents at three different points -- from Asia to Europe on the sixth day, returning to Istanbul's Asian side in the later stages, and then crossing back to the metropolis' European part.
Six WorldTour teams are in the hunt for the title this year, up from three in the previous edition, along with 12 professional and seven continental teams.
The Turkish Cycling Federation has been organizing the tour, earlier known as the Marmara Tour, since 1963.
It gained international status in 1965 and was brought under presidential authority in 1966.
The race is being broadcast live on TRT Spor Yildiz and Eurosport, while Anadolu Agency is among the global event's sponsors.
Rest 5 stages of Tour of Turkiye:
Izmir (Konak) – Manisa (Spil): 147 kilometers (91 miles)
Manisa –Ayvalik: 192 kilometers (119 miles)
Edremit (Akcay) – Eceabat (57th Infantry Regiment Memorial): 205 kilometers (127 miles)
Gelibolu – Tekirdag: 135 kilometers (83 miles)
Istanbul – Istanbul: 136 kilometers (84 miles)