Team Argos-Shimano dominates last stage of Ladies Tour of Qatar and wins general classification
After a great team effort it was again Kirsten Wild who crossed the finish line first in the last stage of the Ladies Tour of Qatar, in front of Lucinda Brand (Rabobank) and Marta Tagliaferro (MCipollini). She also won the general classification for the third time. Chloe Hosking (Hitec Products UCK) followed in second place, and Ellen van Dijk (Team Specialized-Lululemon) took third.
The last stage covered a distance of 86.5 km. It was another fast stage, and in the finale the Team Argos-Shimano riders created a perfect lead-out. They took control and delivered Wild in an impressive way to the final kilometers. After that it was up to Wild, who showed her quality and finished the job.
“We had planned to take responsibility today, and the bunch stayed together until the first intermediate sprint, which I won,” said Wild. “Then there was a group of nine riders in a break, and the other teams worked to close the gap to this group. When we started the final laps – five laps of 6 km – we took control and the team led me to the finish. We saved Marlen Johrend for the finale, and she brought me into perfect position for the sprint.”
“It was great to be part of this team, and we have great team spirit. Although there are many new riders in the team, we are already comfortable with each other due to everyone’s professional approach. Now I am heading back to the track for the world championships in Minsk, and then I’ll be joining the team again for the classics campaign.”
“Before the Tour of Qatar started it was our goal to win at least one stage, but we took it day by day and the GC came closer, and in the end we’re going home with the leader’s jersey, the sprint jersey and three stage wins,” said sports director Marc Reef. “It was a very strong team performance, and of course with Kirsten we had one of the strongest sprinters in the peloton with us, and we took every chance we got.”
Team manager Iwan Spekenbrink said, “This is absolutely amazing. We couldn’t wish for a better start to the season. I saw some great teamwork, and all the work that we did with the team this winter with our dedicated staff has already paid off. We can be very proud of this result, and it bodes well for the rest of the season.”
Results stage 4
1.Kirsten Wild (NED) Team Argos-Shimano 2:09:38
2.Lucinda Brand (NED) Rabobank
3.Georgia Bronzini (ITA) Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling
4.Marta Tagliaferro (ITA) MCipollini Giordana
5.Simona Frapporti (ITA) Bepink
Final General Classification
1.Kirsten Wild (NED) Team Argos-Shimano 9:40:08
2.Chloe Hosking (AUS) Hitec Products UCK 0:00:14
3.Ellen van Dijk (NED) Specialized-Lululemon 0:00:29
