Editorial

The Asian Games are a striking illustration of the landmark role assumed by Qatar in the world of sport today. Qatar possesses unique assets: its excellent hotel and sports facilities; an established ability to organise great events; an advantageous climate, sunny and yet temperate, in the heart of the European Winter, which favours the practice of sport. This winning combination is also the key to the success of the Tour of Qatar.

From superb beginnings, the race has progressed significantly since its first edition in January 2002. In perfect harmony with the Qatar Cycling Federation, it has evolved under the guidance of Eddy Merckx, a legendary champion and an excellent consultant, and the organisers of the Tour de France, in particular Jean-Marie Leblanc.

Each year the competition brings together some of the world's leading riders, eager to pick up their first victories at the start of the new cycling season on the routes of Qatar. The list of prize-winners boasts stage wins by the masters of sprint. Three names alone reflect the quality of the line-up: Mario Cipollini, the star rider who clinched one of the crowning victories of his tremendous career in Doha in 2005; Robbie McEwen, the Australian rider, triple green jersey winner in the Tour de France; and the sculptural and captivating Tom Boonen, outright winner in 2006, wearing his world champion rainbow jersey.

The State of Qatar is keen to establish the long-term future of its national cycling Tour. Accordingly, the Tour of Qatar will continue to expand in the years to come. In 2007, the competition for the first time includes a team prologue, which will of course be held on the superb corniche of Doha. We will also discover new sites, with the start of a stage in the southwest, at Dohat Salwa, near to Saudi Arabia, and three new finishes at the Khalifa Stadium, the Doha Golf Club and in Mesaieed. These sites are henceforth available to all via international television coverage of the event – live – wider and more condensed.