Not everyone is happy with the decision to cancel the stage in the Tour of Turkey: "Personally, I don’t think it should’ve been canceled"

Tibor Del Grosso lost his leader's jersey in the Tour of Turkey, but that didn't stop the 21-year-old Dutch rider from Alpecin-Deceuninck from putting on a show on a wet third day. The top talent rewarded the Turkish fans for their support and was also active on social media, with funny comments and a serious question.

Del Grosso did little to defend his blue leader's jersey on day 3. He finished 40th, almost ten minutes behind stage winner and new leader Wout Poels (XDS-Astana). He could have finished slightly faster, but Del Grosso opted for a wheelie just before the finish. This was certainly not the first time, as the Dutch rider recently impressed his fans by riding up the entire Eyserbosweg in South Limburg on one wheel.

It was a heartwarming moment on a wet day in Turkey. The day's stage was completed as planned, and Del Grosso made a humorous comment about it on the morning of the fourth stage. Heavy rain was forecast again. "I say: the jury should use a convertible today to make a better decision in this weather."

But it wasn't all fun and games for Del Grosso in Turkey. He also asked his followers on X for some much-needed advice after there were a lot of crashes in the rain during the third stage. "Does anyone know the science behind grip on asphalt? How is the Turkish tarmac so much more slippery? In the dry, it already doesn’t feel grippy, but today, it was insane in the wet."

Del Grosso managed to stay upright, but it took a lot of skill and luck. "Like driving on ice, never took a descend so slow and still be sliding around in every corner." The organizers of the Tour of Turkey will also consider these circumstances. Provided the weather improves a little, there are still stages scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The riders of Uno-X Mobility were keen to ride, according to Cyclinguptodate. "In general, I think racing should go ahead, but this decision came after yesterday, which was genuinely dangerous," said sports director Christian Andersen. "Personally, I don't think it should've been canceled. But it's always difficult when there are so many different factors in play. That's just how it is sometimes."

That said, the sports director does understand the decision. "Of course, the riders are concerned for their safety. This is their livelihood, and they’re afraid of crashing because the roads are so slick here. The riders want to race - that’s their job, and that’s why they do it. They’re out there trying to get results. So, canceling a stage means losing an opportunity. It’s not like the riders are simply relieved not to race."