By Fatih Erel
ISTANBUL (AA) - Journalists the world over applauded the Tour of Turkey on Saturday.
Around 170 racers from 25 teams competed in the world’s only intercontinental cycling competition from April 10 to 17.
They covered 207 kilometers (129 miles) from the Aegean tourism hub of Bodrum in Mugla province to the beach resort town of Kusadasi in neighboring Aydin province, a scenic route in a region known for its rich history and mesmerizing natural beauty.
Foreign journalists participating in the tour for the first time expressed overwhelmingly favorable views to organizers about the race.
"As I expected, visiting Turkey was and still is a pleasant experience. Warm welcome, good food and lots of interesting stuff to see. Not to forget about the Tour of Turkey which is a perfect example of a well-organized, exciting sports event,” said Stefan Mothes from Pulstreiber sports magazine in Germany. “My personal highlights were the tough mountain climbs, the spectacular ride over the 1915 Canakkale bridge and the beautiful landscape on the last miles leading to the finishing line of stage 6. The enthusiastic spectators alongside the track were adding to the unique atmosphere of the famous race."
Vidar Petterson from Norway's Gruppetto Magazine was thankful for the Turkish hospitality and the people he met.
"Now we are coming to an end of this overwhelming event. I am grateful for the excellent hospitality, great food and great positive people, both the ones that have organized it all, both on and off the road, and the local people I've met. Thanks a lot, I'll be back!" he said.
"After seven intense days, we have finally reached the definition of the Tour of Turkey, an exciting event that will have its epilogue this Sunday in imposing Istanbul. Impeccable organization, captivating landscapes, a peculiar and exquisite gastronomy and a great popular enthusiasm: this could be summed up in this event in which I personally expect a victory for my compatriot, Eduardo Sepulveda, who has had a remarkable performance so far. This first visit to Turkey has been unforgettable for me: for the hospitality with which I was received and for having witnessed an original and vibrant sporting spectacle," said Alejandro Adrian Lingenti from Spain's Ciclosfera.
"Velostory Honored with its presence at the invitation of the Tour of Turkey. Thank you to the organizers of a wonderful stay during which we enjoyed a warm welcome, a perfect organization in the image of major competitions. These four days allowed us to discover the landscapes and the authenticity of the country, its inhabitants, its gastronomy and of course the fabulous hotels made available to us," according to a joint statement from Fabien Faure and Francis Cantournet from France's Velostory.
"We also discovered a dynamic and booming country. Thank you to our guides and guides with whom we were also able to share good moments of friendship and conviviality. Without a doubt, we can't wait to come back to further deepen our discovery around cycling and tourism," it said.
"The Tour of Turkiye is a beautiful race, not only because it passes the most beautiful landscapes, but also a race that gives all riders a chance to shine and conquer. Wednesday's stage is a good example. If one looks at the top 10, one would see there are riders that exceed themselves in a grueling climb. The Tour of Turkiye is all about true racing. For me, I hope it will urge some of the kids watching the race on the side of the road, to take up cycling and become a future champion," said Hendrik Jansen from Holland's Cyclingonline.