Dukhan
104.5 km
Wednesday 2 February
The first stage of the 3rd edition of the Ladies’ Tour of Qatar took off in fine fashion. Under a bright sunshine, Australian Rochelle Gilmore of team Lotto Honda powered triumphantly to the line in Dukhan, conquering stage victory as well as the overall leader’s golden jersey.
Under a beautiful blue sky and a bright sunshine, the 89 riders of the Ladies’ Tour of Qatar took off this morning at 12:30 for stage 1 of the event: a 94,5 km ride from the Camel Race Track to the city of Dukhan, west of the country. The pack remained bunched all the way to the first bonus sprint (at km 39) where World champion Giorgia Bronzini (ITA) beat Rochelle Gilmore (LHT) and De Goede (SKC). Again the main field stayed together for the second intermediate sprint (at km 54) captured by Broun (AUS) ahead of Gilmore and Bras (NED).
A few kilometres later, Sweden’s Veronica Andreasson (LHT) was the first to attempt a breakaway. After enjoying a 13” lead over the pack she was to be caught back, 3 kilometres later. With just under 25kms to go, it was then Valentina Bastianelli’s turn to give it a go but her effort too was vain.
The pack remained bunched with 5 kilometres to go. On a slight uphill portion heading to Dukhan, a group of 12 riders including most of the race favourites broke away. They made it to the line with a 15” lead over the main pack. In fine style, Australia’s Rochelle Gilmore powered to victory, beating Italy’s multiple stage winner Giorgia Bronzini and compatriot Chloe Hosking (TCW).
Thanks to her first success in Qatar, Gilmore claims the first overall leader’s golden jersey of the 2011 event, with a 5” advantage over Bronzini. The Australian also takes command of the points’ standings while Hosking is the best young rider of the race and will be wearing the white jersey for tomorrow’s stage between the Museum of Islamic Art and Lusail.