"I love winning" - Jasper Philipsen takes 18th victory of the season and now leads the World Tour for most wins in 2023

No one has taken more victories this season than Alpecin-Deceuninck's Belgian sprint star Jasper Philipsen, following his 18th win of the year and his third in four days on stage 4 of the Tour of Turkey.

“I knew a sprint was very likely. There was that tough climb in the final. But on the wide roads to Marmaris it was very difficult to stay ahead alone," he reflected in a post-stage interview, immediately following his victory. "We handled the stage well as a team, even though Nico Denz was very strong.”

Heading into the final few hundred metres, Philipsen was not in an ideal position but his sheer speed and power ensured he still took a relatively comfortable win. “I got a little trapped," he admits. "At 400 meters I got to the front and chose my side. I didn't think I could win anymore, luckily I found just enough space.”

As mentioned, that win, his 18th of the campaign now sees him edge in front of Tadej Pogacar for the honour of most victorious rider in this year's World Tour peloton. “After the Tour we were still looking for a good goal. I love winning, so trying to get that winning record was ideal to keep me motivated until the end of the season, which is certainly not always easy," Philipsen concludes delightedly. "It may not mean much, but it does to me.”