Patrick Bevin has claimed the overall title at the Tour of Turkey – his first stage victory of his career as a WorldTour rider.

The Israel Premier Tech professional claimed the overall honours on general classification after the final stage was cancelled due to the weather conditions in Istanbul.

Bevin grabbed the race lead after winning stage seven and sealed the win after just 25kms of the final stage when it was stopped because of heavy rain and high winds.

The kiwi rider said he was nervous before the final stage, having lost a similar chance on the last stage at the Tour Downunder in 2019.

"I am proud to be this year's winner of the Tour of Turkey. Everyone is a little bit disappointed about cancelling the stage, it would have been great to race through such a beautiful city, but it was an important decision to make for the safety of the riders," Bevin said.

His win is the biggest stage-race title on the men’s WorldTour for a kiwi since George Bennett won the Tour of California in 2017, and secured after an outstanding performance on stage seven.

It was his first race back after breaking his collarbone in his second race early in the season, and he was well supported by fellow New Zealand rider and Tokyo Olympian on the track, Corbin Strong.

It is also poignant for a New Zealander to win the event in Turkey on the week leading to Anzac Day.

Photo credit. Israel-Premier Tech