Ireland's Sam Bennett extended his overall advantage as he secured his second consecutive stage victory ©Getty Images

Ireland's Sam Bennett extended his overall advantage as he secured his second consecutive stage victory at the Tour of Turkey today.

The 26-year-old Bora-Hansgrohe rider claimed a convincing win as he finished comfortably in front of Belgium's Edward Theuns at the end of the 205 kilometres trek from Kumluca to Fethiye.

Theuns crossed the line two bike lengths behind the Irishman, who continued his superb recent run of form in a time of 6 hours 02min 05sec.

Italian Riccardo Minali, who rides for the Astana team, was third.

Bennett, winner of the Münsterland Giro race in Germany last week as well as a stage of Paris-Nice and two stages of the Tour of Slovenia earlier this season, now has a 10-second lead at the top of the overall standings.

Theuns, who competes for Trek–Segafredo, is his closest challenger going into tomorrow's third stage.

Ireland's Sam Bennett produced another fine display to record his second win ©Getty Images
Ireland's Sam Bennett produced another fine display to record his second win ©Getty Images

It will encompass another 205km journey, this time from Fethiye to Marmaris.

The Tour of Turkey has been included in the International Cycling Union World Tour for the first time this year, but will struggle to hold its place unless more top teams compete.

Only four World Tour teams - Astana Pro Team, Bora-Hansgrohe, Trek-Segafredo and UAE Team Emirates - are present.

The race was initially due to take place in February before being shifted to April.

It was then pushed back again amid heightened security concerns in Turkey, where the country remains in a state of emergency amid a high risk of terror attacks.