Tour of Türkiye cyclist inspires country’s next generation

Konya BBSK Cycling Team rider Ramazan Yilmaz demonstrates resilience and determination through his success in cycling events, inspiring Türkiye’s youth.

By finishing fourth in the opening stage of the Tour of Türkiye, Yilmaz became the first Turkish cyclist to place in the top five of any such stage in recent years. The last to do so was Ahmet Orken’s fifth-place finish in Marmaris in 2018.

In an interview with Anadolu, Yilmaz said he was aiming for a medal finish but ended up coming in fourth.

“In such a professional 2.2 Pro (Series) race, with WorldTour teams competing, we saw that we had a chance to achieve a podium finish. That’s what we’re fighting for, and our teammates are also fighting for the white jersey,” he added.

Regarding the cycling event, he stressed that it is a fantastic organization in which everything runs flawlessly.

“We thank everyone involved. Competing alongside professional WorldTour athletes makes us happy and proud, and seeing the Turkish flag among them and finishing in the top five is a great source of pride,” Yilmaz added.

The 21-year-old cyclist said he would do his best in the upcoming stages.

“Let’s just say we sprinters are a bit ‘heavier.’ We’ll try to push the time limit from the back, working hard for our climbers and giving our best performance,” he stressed.

Yilmaz also commented on the condition of the roads along the race route, saying: “Track cycling involves shorter races, which are frankly more challenging.”

“At least there are no weather restrictions; no rain, no mud, etc. Racing there is more dangerous, faster, and more agile. Track cycling is more advantageous in terms of achieving good results. The two disciplines actually complement each other. We try to do both together.”

After a hiatus, this year, the Tour of Türkiye returns to the capital, Ankara, on May 3 and Yilmaz expressed his excitement that the final stage of the race will be held there.

“Ankara is our capital city. We’re aiming for the podium there. It’s a suitable course for us, and we’ll give our best effort there as well,” he said.

Tour of Türkiye

The Tour of Türkiye is categorized as a ProSeries event on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Europe Tour calendar and is the only race in Türkiye at that level.

The route includes Mediterranean and Aegean coastal cities such as Izmir, Aydin, Mugla and Antalya.

Starting in Cesme, Izmir, and finishing in Türkiye’s capital, the race features 161 cyclists from 27 countries competing over a total distance of 1,133 kilometers (704 miles).