January 30/13 12:33 pm - Ladies Tour of Qatar Stage 2

Posted by Editoress on 01/30/13
 

Wild Hits Back

As is often the case in Qatar, wind was the main theme of the day's second stage. After three riders escaped in an early breakaway, the race favourites made the best of the cross wind to advantage. After catching the escapees, 9 went clear to Al Khor where Kirsten Wild captured her first victory of the year, claiming a record fourth stage win in Qatar. The Golden jersey remains on the shoulders of Chloe Hosking, who finished fourth today.

88 riders at the start. Dry and windy

Similar to a year ago, the 88 riders of the Ladies Tour of Qatar started off in windy conditions from the Camel Race Track just outside Doha for a 96km trip to Al Khor and its corniche. After just 6.5kms, China's Jiang (GPC) broke away and was rapidly caught by two other eager riders: Jasinska (MCG) and Cordon (FRA). While the pack had to deal with a strong head wind, the gap increased from 2 sec at km 20 to a maximum 8:50 at the first intermediate sprint (km 38.5) won by Jiang ahead of Jasinska and Cordon.

As the wind changed direction, blowing sideways on the peloton, nine riders powered away from the pack at km 39 including event leader Chloe Hosking (HPU), as well as former winners of the race Kirsten Wild (SKI) and Ellen van Dijk (SLU). At km 46, the leading three could still enjoy a 4:40 advantage on the golden jersey group and 5:15 over a bunch including Bronzini, Gilmore (both WHT) and Brennauer (SLU).

The second bonus sprint (km 60) was again claimed by Jiang in front of Jasinska and Cordon, while the favourites' group moved closer, 1:30 adrift. The escapees were eventually caught at km 63. Twelve competitors continued powering to the finish, enjoying a 1 min lead with 20 kilometres to go.

After Cordon and Jiang dropped out of the front group, nine riders could start considering the stage win. One after the other, the five Orica-AIS riders tried to break away but were caught on each attack. It would come down to a sprint! Despite being the only member of her team, Kirsten Wild captured the win, her first this year and fourth in Qatar, making her the record holder in terms of stage victories, one better than Bronzini.

Chloe Hosking captured a fine fourth spot on the line, keeping command of the overall standings. The Australian of team Hitec Products UCK however remains under the pressure of Elvin (GEW), 6 sec adrift and Wild, only 9 sec behind. Hosking also leads the points and best young rider standings.