The Tour of Istanbul 2024, the region’s flagship stage race, took place this year from 12 to 15 September. Over four days, the different participating teams battled it out through the historic streets and sublime landscapes of the Turkish metropolis. And during the week of competition, it was the Team that came out on top, leaving its mark on this year’s event with more than solid collective and individual performances.
Mathieu Burgaudeau: the orange jersey and two victories
Right from the start of this competition, Mathieu Burgaudeau established himself as one of the riders to watch. True to his combative, explosive style, he moved to the front of the pack and gradually consolidated his lead in the overall classification. At the end of the particularly demanding stages 2 and 3, Mathieu Burgaudeau wore the orange jersey, symbol of the leader, and never let up in his efforts or his position.
Thanks to a well-orchestrated strategy by the whole team, Mathieu and the entire team were able to defend their lead brilliantly right up to the final stage. His mastery of key moments and excellent management of opposing attacks enabled him to win and finish this Tour of Istanbul as overall leader. His victory was the fruit of exemplary teamwork, but also of his individual talent and strength of character, as demonstrated by his victory on stage 3, where our rider won by pedal power on the Polonezkoy climb.
Credits: Tour of Istanbul
Emilien Jeannière: Best sprinter and deserved podium finish
While Mathieu Burgaudeau shone with his consistency, Emilien Jeannière shone with his impressive speed. Our young sprinter dominated the fast finishes with a stage win (stage 1), accumulating points in the fight for the best sprinter jersey. His blue jersey, which he defended with remarkable determination, testifies to his superiority in the intermediate sprints and on the most explosive finishes.
But Emilien didn’t just excel as a sprinter. As well as dominating this category, he also managed a superb 3rd place overall. This double achievement – best sprinter and final podium – underlines the potential and versatility of our rider.
Credits: Tour of Istanbul
A strong collective performance
One of the highlights of this edition of the Tour of Istanbul was the team’s collective commitment. The support work between the riders was essential at decisive moments. Whether it was protecting the orange jersey or ensuring Emilien’s success in the sprints, the team showed unfailing cohesion and solidarity.
This group dynamic earned the Team the title of ‘best team’ in the competition. An honour that rewards the constant efforts of each rider, who controlled the race from start to finish over the 4 days.
Credits: Tour of Istanbul
Finally, the Team left Istanbul with a feeling of accomplishment, having racked up 3 stage victories and won two distinctive jerseys, in addition to the title of best team. Well done, guys, for a superb week of competition in Turkey!
