Konya, 8 October 2018 – Defending Presidential Tour of Turkey champion Diego Ulissi arrived in Turkey yesterday, with a second TUR victory in mind.  

The Tuscan won last year's edition with a fine stage win on the climb at Selçuk, and is the hot favourite to win the race again. 
 

(Photo credit: UAE Team Emirates)

Speaking at this evening's team presentation in Konya city centre he said he will go into the race feeling optimistic.  

What does your 2017 win mean to you?
"Last year’s victory was very important for me. It is a World Tour race so everyone is working hard to compete at the highest level possible."

How confident are you this year?
"My main ambition of course is to win again this year. I know it will not be easy, there are really good riders here, but I will do my best."

What form are you in?
"I’m in good shape and I hope to be at 100 per cent for the uphill finish. I know that day will be crucial for the general classification."

Alongside you is Kristijan Đurasek who won here in 2015. How do you turn that to your advantage?
"Kristijan is a really good rider. We will ride for each other in the harder stages, and I hope we can both achieve a good result here."

How would you describe the crucial Selçuk stage?
"The Selçuk finish is not that long, but it’s very very hard especially in the last 3km with high gradients, and it will be crucial to handle fatigue and strengths."

(Click for full image: Photo credit / Tour of Turkey - Brian Hodes)

Is the team focused purely on the GC or can you achieve other stage wins?
"Simone Consonni is our man for the fast finishes. Đurasek and I will try our best for the GC."

Are you looking forward to racing in Turkey again? 
"Turkey is really amazing. This is my third year here and I’m really fascinated by the beautiful landscapes and history. The Tour is very well organized and I’m very happy to be back again!"

54th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, 9-14 October 2018 (2.UWT):
Stage 1 (sponsored by Turkish Airlines) - Konya › Konya
Stage 2 (SporToto) - Alanya › Antalya
Stage 3 (Troy) - Fethiye › Marmaris
Stage 4 (SporToto) - Marmaris › Selçuk 
Stage 5 (Vestel) - Selçuk › Manisa
Stage 6 (Salcano) - Bursa › Istanbul