Tour of Turkey: Sebastian Berwick takes race lead on stage 6 summit finish as Christian Bagatin survives from the break for first pro victory

Sebastian Berwick has claimed the overall lead at the Tour of Turkey following a dramatic stage six, which featured a demanding 21.4km summit finish to Feslikan. The stage, despite its relatively short distance of 127.9km, proved decisive due to the steep climb averaging 8.3%, where Berwick attacked in the closing kilometres to secure second place on the stage and overtake Iván Sosa in the general classification. Meanwhile, Christian Bagatin of MBH Bank CSB Telecom Fort produced a stunning solo victory from a large breakaway group, holding off the chasing peloton to take his first professional win. Bagatin’s triumph came as a surprise, having joined the early breakaway somewhat unexpectedly. The Italian rider managed to maintain a significant lead on the final climb, gradually distancing his breakaway companions before fending off the peloton’s pursuit. His victory marked a milestone for MBH Bank CSB Telecom Fort, who have recently stepped up to ProTeam status this season, making it their biggest success of 2026 so far. Bagatin credited his team and personal motivation for his strong performance, emphasising the support from his directeur sportif and his determination to stay ahead. The stage unfolded with aggressive racing from the outset, as a large group of 14 riders broke clear after nearly 50km, building a substantial lead that peaked at over six minutes by the base of the climb. The breakaway fragmented on the ascent, with Bagatin going solo with 18km remaining. Behind him, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA led the peloton’s chase, aiming to protect Berwick’s chances against overall leader Sosa. In the final kilometres, Berwick launched a well-timed attack, gaining enough time to seize the race lead, while Sosa was unable to respond effectively and slipped to fourth overall after missing out on bonus seconds. This stage result reshapes the general classification and adds fresh intrigue to the Tour of Turkey, with Berwick now wearing the leader’s turquoise jersey and several riders poised for further battles in the coming stages. Bagatin’s breakthrough win also highlights the potential for lesser-known teams and riders to make their mark in the race. As the event progresses, attention will focus on how Berwick and his Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team defend the lead and whether Bagatin can build on his remarkable performance.