ALANYA/HATAY - British sports commentator David Duffield who covered the 44th Presidential International Cycling Tour in Turkey said the successful organisation of the event was pleasing for Turkey.
Duffield (77), who holds many champion titles in cycling and has been reporting and commentating cycling events for Euro sport for over 20 years, said at first he did not believe Turkey could pull out such an organisation.
However, he said, Turkish authorities proved our fears vain with this successful organisation.
Duffield said that for the first time Turkey hosted a professional race in 2.1 status with 7 stages. He said 25 teams that also competed in Tour De France the world`s largest and most prestigious cycling race, like Silence Lotto (Belgium), Saunier Duval and Karpin Galicia (Spain), Group Navigare (Ireland), Astana (Luxemburg), Lampre (Italy) and Team Milram (Germany) competed at the 44th Presidential International Cycling Tour.
"There were less drawbacks in the organisation then we expected. Turkey can be an alternative to Tour De France," said Duffield.
He said it was striking that none of the Turkish cyclers made it to the first 50 in the tournament.
"Even Behcet Usta, best of the Turkish cyclers, was able to make it to the first 70. However Turkey with a climate that is suitable for cycling all year long should raise more elite cyclers. Turkish National Team should set a 5-10 year strategy for itself. It should better utilise the potential and opportunities. It should attend more international tournaments," said Duffield.
(OZG-MS)