Sam Bennett won his third stage in a row in Turkey ©Getty Images

Ireland's Sam Bennett continued his sensational start to the Tour of Turkey today, winning his third consecutive stage.

The 26-year-old Bora-Hansgrohe rider claimed a sprint victory and was quickest over the 205 kilometres journey from Fethiye to Marmaris.

Bennett broke free in the final 200 metres to beat Belgian Edward Theuns of Trek–Segafredo once again.

The duo were followed by a quintet of Italians but it was Simone Consonni of UAE Team Emirates who took third, posting the same time as Bennett and Theuns.

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 14-second lead at the top of the overall standings.

Sam Bennett, left, won the 205km stage from Fethiye to Marmaris ©Getty Images
Sam Bennett, left, won the 205km stage from Fethiye to Marmaris ©Getty Images

Tomorrow's fourth stage will see riders travel 204.1km from Marmaris to Selçuk .

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.