Winning the stage by an estimated 0.0003 of a second, Matt Renshaw’s perfectly-timed lunge saw him hold off compatriot Matt Goss and scoop what was his first victory this season.
The seaside town of Marmaris, boardering the Gulf of Gökova, also was also the location for a first triumph whilst wearing the distinctive orange colours of his new Rabobank team.
It was, as he told VeloNation after stage 4 of the Presidential Tour of Turkey, something which took pressure off him.
“I’m very happy to get the first win of the year,” he said, standing outside medical control and in front of a stunning brightwater bay. “I’ve been chasing all year, through the Tour Down Under, the Tour of Qatar and Paris-Nice, so I’m very relieved to finally get it here in the Tour of Turkey.”
Renshaw’s triumph was down to him beating Goss, but his task was made simpler in ways by a difficult run in towards the finish. That thinned out the field and reduced the list of those he had to contend with in the sprint. The hills in the finale put paid to the chances of Marcel Kittel (Argos Shimano), Andrea Guardini (Farnese Vini Selle Italia) and others, while Andre Greipel (Lotto Belisol) didn’t believe in his own chances and instead used his energy to try to set up team-mate Adam Hansen for the win.
“It was a tough finish,” Renshaw said. “There were climbs early on, then a tough climb in the finish. I’m climbing really well at the moment, I feel good so it all looks good for the next few weeks of racing.”
He’s riding the race as part of his preparation for the Giro d’Italia. He’d told VeloNation at the start of the race that a stage win would boost his confidence; now he’s got one, he said that he’ll aim for another before the race ends on Sunday.
See the coverage below for his thoughts on the victory, his Giro plans, winning on ANZAC day and more.
Videos:
Mark Renshaw speaking to VeloNation (plus finishing sprint footage)
Mark Renshaw winner’s press conference