Nineteen top pro teams heading for the deserts of Qatar to get their seasons off to a flying start
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ASO Press Release
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Cavendish in winning form at Qatar in 2013. Photo: OPQS/Tim DeWaele
The stars of the peloton have been kicking off their season in Qatar since 2002, and since 2009 they have been courteous enough to let the ladies race first (February 4–7). Once again this year, many of the leading lights of the international peloton will come to Doha to duke it out from February 9 to 14.
Lots of them will seek to put an end to the reign of the Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team, which has taken six of the last eight editions with, among others, four-time winner Tom Boonen and defending champion Mark Cavendish.
The 19 teams selected (one more than in 2013) will tackle five sprinter-friendly stages and a 10.9 km individual time trial around the Lusail Moto GP circuit, where power riders will be able to let their legs do the talking.
The emirate’s never-resting winds will likely decide the duel between the sprint specialists and the lone raiders, spicing up the Qatari race with a hint of the Flemish classics…
The 19 participating teams
Ag2r La Mondiale (FRA)
Astana Pro Team (KAZ)
Bardiani CSF (ITA)
Belkin – Pro Cycling Team (NED)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA)
FDJ.fr (FRA)
IAM Cycling (SUI)
Katusha Team (RUS)
Lotto Belisol (BEL)
Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team (BEL)
Orica-GreenEDGE (AUS)
Skydive Dubai (UAE)
Team NetApp – Endura (GER)
Team Sky (GBR)
Tinkoff Saxo (DEN)
Topsport Vlaanderen – Baloise (BEL)
Trek Factory Racing (USA)
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA)
Stages
Stage 1, Sunday, February 9: Al Wakra – Dukhan Beach (135.5 km)
Stage 2, Monday, February 10: Camel Race Track – Al Khor Corniche (160.5 km)
Stage 3, Tuesday, February 11: Lusail Circuit, individual time trial (10.9 km)
Stage 4, Wednesday, February 12: Dukhan – Mesaieed (135 km)
Stage 5, Thursday, February 13: Al Zubara Fort – Madinat ash-Shamal (159 km)
Stage 6, Friday, February 14: Sealine Beach Resort – Doha Corniche (113.5 km)
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- TT Result: East Sussex CA 10m TT
- Crit Result: Spring MK Bowl Circuit Series
- TT Result: Port Talbot Wheelers
- Crit Result: ERC Ben Forsyth CRY Youth Race Day
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- Crit Result: YBC Spring Crits 1
- TT Result: Bridgnorth CC Hilly 21 TT
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- Crit Result: Omega Portsmouth Circuits 1
Other News on VeloUK
- Team News: Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT
- News: Saint Ives CC Development Squad
- Startlist: 2023 Danum Trophy Road Race
- Startlist: Betty Pharoah Memorial Road Races
- Next Weekend: RCR FatCreations Road Races
- News: Vin Denson Signs The Golden Book
- Startlist: Azets Spring Classic
- SUNDAY: CiCLE Classic (Women/Junior Men)
- The Pedal Club: March Report
- Sportive raising money for charity: Dartmoor Classic
- Classic News: 63rd Wally Gimber trophy
- Product News: Time Trial Tyre
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- STARTLIST: Junior Men/Women’s CiCLE Classic
- Entry List: The Peaks 2 Day (18/19 March)
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- Startlist: Harold H Nelson Memorial Day of Racing
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- News: New Moda Bikes for Cycling Sheffield
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- Startlist: VC St Raphael Classic TT
- News: Trinity Announces 2023 Team
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- Q&A with young organiser James Hawkins
- Q&A: Erin Murphy (Alba Dev Road Team)
- Team Feature: Hutchinson/Brother UK
- Events: Spring MK Bowl Circuit Series
- Events: RCR Fatcreations Road Race
- Team News: DAS Handsling Women’s UCI Team
