Ladies Tour of Qatar: Wild strikes first

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The 6th edition of the Ladies Tour of Qatar started the same way the last one ended: with a victory from star sprinter Kirsten Wild. Armitstead 5th

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The Dutch rider from team Giant-Shimano, part of a group of 20 riders that managed to pull away in the last 30 kilometres, powered to the line to claim this first stage ahead of Shelley Olds and Chloe Hosking. Wild conquers the overall leader’s Golden Jersey.

2014_Qatar_Stage_1_WILD

The 88 riders representing 15 different teams took off in ideal conditions from the Museum of Islamic Art for a 97-kilometre stage all the way to Messaieed. Under a bright sunshine, the pack remained bunched at a fairly fast pace (46.1 kms covered during the first hour) all the way to the final circuit that was to be ridden twice. The first intermediate sprint, at the first crossing of the line (km 35.5) was claimed by Wild (GIW) ahead of Armistead (DLT) and Hoskins (GEW).

The first decisive move was made after 57 kilometres when the front runners made the best of the crosswind to pull away. Eventually 20 riders managed a decent enough break. In the group were the likes of Wild (GIW), Hosking (HPU), Armistead (DLT), Johansson (GEW), Worrack (SLU) and Olds (ALE), but not the former World champion and three-time stage winner in Qatar, Bronzini (WHT). The advantage of the front riders grew from 35” to a maximum 1’05 with 25 kilometres to go.

The leading ladies stayed put all the way to the finish, enjoying a 34” lead with 5kms to go. The decision was made in a final bunched sprint that Kirsten Wild conquered in style. Winner of the 2009, 2010 and 2013 editions of the event, Wild beat Shelly Olds and Chloe Hosking to the line. The Dutch sprinter takes command of the General Classification as well as the points’ standings while Melissa Hoskins (GEW) captures the White Pearl jersey for the best young rider.

RESULT
1. WILD Kirsten Team Giant-Shimano 2:09:56
2. OLDS Shelley Alé Cipollini @ st
3. HOSKING Chloe Hitec Products @ st
4. D’HOORE Jolien Lotto Belisol Ladies @ st
5. ARMITSTEAD Elizabeth Boels – Dolmans Cycling Team @ st
6. JEULAND Pascale France @ st
7. GUARISCHI Barbara Alé Cipollini @ st
8. HOSKINS Melissa Orica – AIS @ st
9. SLAPPENDEL Iris Rabobank-Liv Woman Cycling Team @ st
10. WORRACK Trixi Specialized-lululemon @ st

OVERALL
1. WILD Kirsten Team Giant-Shimano 2:09:40
2. OLDS Shelley Alé Cipollini 0:08
3. HOSKING Chloe Hitec Products 0:11
4. ARMITSTEAD Elizabeth Boels – Dolmans Cycling Team 0:14

 

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