XDS Astana Team achieved a brilliant one-two result on Stage 4 of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye – the queen mountain stage with a summit finish atop the 9-kilometer Akyaka-Kiran climb. Wout Poels claimed the stage victory, while Harold Martín López secured second place.
Both XDS Astana Team riders launched attacks from the favorites group a few kilometers from the summit. When only a few riders remained in contention, Wout Poels attacked again, this time going solo to take a nice win. Harold Martín López counterattacked in the final kilometer, dropping his rivals and finishing second.
“I think it was a really good day, and the team performed at a high level – especially considering the tough and dangerous conditions, with very slippery roads due to the rain. The team did everything to keep me and Harold out of trouble. In the finale, I was still with Harold in the lead group, so we had the opportunity to play two cards. I managed to go clear and take the win, and it’s great that Harold was able to follow it up with second place. I’m happy to bring this victory to the team. This year I joined XDS Astana Team, and I’m really thankful for this opportunity to show what I can do. So yes, it was a great day – if we forget the rain”, – said Wout Poels.
“I’m very satisfied with our result today. After my crash in Australia, I’ve managed to get back to a good level, and I’m improving from race to race. Today Wout was the strongest, and he deserved this win. But I’m also happy to support it with my second place. After our training camp on Teide, we’ve built good form, and now we’re ready to defend our GC positions on the upcoming stages”, – added Harold Martín López.
