Key moments

The third and final stage of the Ladies’ Tour of Qatar saw Italy’s Giorgia Bronzini triumph for the second time of the event, outsprinting her rivals to clinch the win on the Al Khor Corniche, despite a courageous final effort of USA’s Tamayo. Overall victory however goes to Dutch rider Kirsten Wild who conquers the first ever golden jersey of the race.

Stage 3: Camel Race Track – AL Khor, 108 km
84 riders at the start, 15 teams
Nice weather, slight wind.

As the 84 remaining riders of the event took off at 12h07 from the Camel Race Track, only 6 seconds separated golden jersey holder Wild (RLT) from her closest rival Bronzini (ITA). It was therefore to be a fierce battle for overall victory on the way to Al Khor. The pack however remained bunched on the first part of the race.

At the first intermediate sprint at Al Jemailyia (km 30), Wild added an extra 3” to her tally, beating Broun (AUS) and De Goede (NUR) to the line. Despite several attempts, the main bunch stayed together until kilometre 64 when Caroll (USA), like yesterday, gave it a go in the lead. Her breakaway only lasted two kilometres.

Immediately after, as the wind became more favourable, the pack broke up into several groups with all the favourites in the lead. At kilometre 74, the front group of around 30 riders could enjoy a 1’ lead over the dropped bunch. Five kilometres later, it was Tagliaferro’s (ITA) turn to take off. Her lead rapidly reached 28” but the pack eventually closed in with under 25 kilometres to go.

At the second intermediate sprint at Umm Suwaiyah (km 97), event leader Wild again powered to the line claiming an extra three seconds ahead of Bronzini (ITA) and Broun (AUS). The pace eased up from then on as a group of 17 ladies broke away, including all the jersey holders and main favourites.

USA’s Tamayo then managed to take off for what looked to be a decisive move. With 5 kilometres to go the American could indeed enjoy a 20” advantage. That gap grew to 28” one kilometre later but then started dropping. With one kilometre to go, Tamayo still had a 15” lead. She was however caught on the final straight. Like on the opening stage of the event, Italy’s Giorgia Bronzini proved to be the fastest of the bunch. She crossed the line triumphantly ahead of Gilmore (LBL) and Wild.

Kirsten Wild wins the overall standing of this first ever Ladies’ Tour of Qatar thanks to her third spot on the day and the bonus seconds collected at the intermediate sprints. The Cervelo rider beats Bronzini by 4” and Broun by 21”. She also conquers the final points silver jersey while her compatriot Ellen Van Dijk (TCW) finishes best young rider of the Tour.

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