Report: Fourth Crown for Kirsten Wild in Qatar

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After wins in 2009, 2010 and 2013, Kirsten Wild captured a fourth crown on the Ladies Tour of Qatar in 2014.

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The Dutch rider from team Giant-Shimano once again showed how powerful she was on the final day of the event, claiming a third stage success on the Doha Corniche. Wild outsprinted Giorgia Bronzini and Melissa Hoskins to win her 9th stage ever in Qatar.

Stage_4_Kirsten_Wild

Photo: © ASO/B. Bade

The 85 remaining riders of the Ladies Tour of Qatar left the Sealine Beach Resort, south of Qatar, for the final stage of the event. They would then have to head back to Doha and a circuit on the picturesque Corniche, before crossing the finish line after 85 kilometres.

Under fairly cloudy skies, the peloton remained together all the way to the first intermediate sprint (in Al Wakra, km 38.5), claimed by Wild (GIW) ahead of Majerus (DLT) and Pieters (GIW).

At kilometre 39, two ladies managed to break away from the peloton: MacLean (GEW) and Burchenkova (RVL). The two escapees saw their lead go from 25” to a maximum 1’10 at kilometre 50. As they entered the final circuit, their advantage had dropped down to 43” and then 45” as they crossed the line for the first time, with 5 laps to go.

The front two were eventually caught at km 63. Several other riders and groups tried to take off, but the peloton reacted immediately. Eventually, Chantal Blaak (SLU) managed to break away just before the fourth crossing of the line, enabling her to win the second bonus sprint with a 5” lead over Wild and Pieters. The Dutch rider was eventually caught several kilometres later. Despite several other breakaway attempts, the pack remained bunched all the way to the final straight.

Time had then come for a “battle royal” between the fastest girls of the race, and again, like a year ago and like on two other occasions of this 6th edition, Kirsten Wild flew to an impressive stage win. The 3-time winner of the event claimed her 9th stage win in Qatar, beating Giorgia Bronzini (WHT) and Melissa Hoskins (GEW) to the line.

By doing so, Wild comforted her overall first spot and wins the 2014 Ladies Tour of Qatar with a 22” lead over team mate Pieters and 36” over Chloe Hosking (HPU). Added to her Golden Jersey, the Dutch sprinter also conquers the points classification (Silver Jersey), while Pieters finishes best young rider, winning the Pearl White Jersey.

Stage_4_Podium_LadiesQatar

Photo: © ASO/B. Bade

Next A.S.O. women’s cycling events:
La Flèche Wallonne Femmes (17th edition, 23rd of April 2014)
La Course by Le Tour de France (1st edition, 27th of July 2014 on the circuit of the Champs-Elysees)

RESULT
1 WILD Kirsten Team Giant-Shimano 2:06:23
2 BRONZINI Giorgia Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling
3 HOSKINS Melissa Orica – AIS
4 WORRACK Trixi Specialized-lululemon
5 D’HOORE Jolien Lotto Belisol Ladies
6 OLDS Shelley Alé Cipollini
7 JEULAND Pascale France
8 FOURNIER Roxane France
9 ARMITSTEAD Elizabeth Boels – Dolmans Cycling Team
10 LUO Xiao Ling China Chongming – Giant Pro Cycling

OVERALL
1 WILD Kirsten Team Giant-Shimano
2 PIETERS Amy Team Giant-Shimano
3 HOSKING Chloe Hitec Products
4 JOHANSSON Emma Orica – AIS
5 WORRACK Trixi Specialized-lululemon
6 HOSKINS Melissa Orica – AIS
7 D’HOORE Jolien Lotto Belisol Ladies
8 CECCHINI Elena Italy
9 CROMWELL Tiffany Specialized-lululemon
10 SLAPPENDEL Iris Rabobank-Liv Woman Cycling Team

 

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