2014 Tour of Qatar, 9th - 14th February (2.HC)

[Geraint Too Fast]

Forget about Dubai, it's almost time for...

A few changes from last year - There's an ITT instead of a TTT. Tommeke's back, Cavenditch isn't. And it will be windier this year.

START LIST

Stage 1: Al Wakra - Dukhan Beach (135.5 km)
Stage 2: Camel Race Track - Al Khor Corniche (160.5 km)
Stage 3: Lusail Circuit (ITT) (10.9 km)
Stage 4: Dukhan - Mesaieed (135 km)
Stage 5: Al Zubara Fort - Madinat Al Shamal (159 km)
Stage 6: Sealine Beach Resort - Doha Corniche (113.5 km)

The forecast will probably change a bit over the week, so check HERE for more up-to-date info.

 

[trevim]

Altimetry profiles now!!

 

[RedheadDane]

If I recall correctly it's probably something like this:

__________________________________________________________

Without the weird pot-hole... dunno how that happened.

 

[the sceptic]

If I recall correctly it's probably something like this:

__________________________________________________________

Without the weird pot-hole... dunno how that happened.

are you sure? Maybe they built a replica alpe d'huez

I think ill tune in for the wind though.

 

[Wallenquist]

Boonen vs Haussler like in good old times ?
But my pick for GC i either Superman Tuft or Kristoff

 

[RedheadDane]

are you sure? Maybe they built a replica alpe d'huez

I think ill tune in for the wind though.

Of course, in that part of the world everything is pretty much possible. I do think we'd have heard about it though...

 

[MatParker117]

Team Sky: Bernhard Eisel, Christian Knees, Danny Pate, Salvatore Puccio, Gabriel Rasch, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard, Chris Sutton

 

[janraaskalt]

Boonen vs Haussler like in good old times ?
But my pick for GC i either Superman Tuft or Kristoff

Wonder why Phinney does not participate. This year they have an ITT.

 

[MatParker117]

Canc favourite?

 

[MagnusMagnussen]

OPQS:
Tom Boonen (BEL)
Andrew Fenn (GBR)
Iljo Keisse (BEL)
Nikolas Maes (BEL)
Gert Steegmans (BEL)
Niki Terpstra (NED)
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (BEL)
Stijn Vandenbergh (BEL)

 

[More Strides than Rides]

The stage order pretty much ranks the potential for wind-caused splits. First and second look promising. After that, the wind will be pushing the peloton's head or tail, mostly.

 

[Panda Claws]

Hopefully we can get time bonus Tom VS clockwork Canc for the GC.

 

[HiCadence03]

A few changes from last year - There's an ITT instead of a TTT. Tommeke's back, Cavenditch isn't. And it will be windier this year.

It's not Cavenditch it's Cavendeeeeeeeeeeeesssshhhhh lol!


Cancellara 4TW.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Wonder why Phinney does not participate. This year they have an ITT.

He had to go way too deep defending the lead in Dubai. Now needs a rest.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

I see no reason why Greipel can't pick up 5 stage wins here.

Oh and Mancebo will be in at least 4 of the daily breaks.

 

[will10]

I see no reason why Greipel can't pick up 5 stage wins here.

Oh and Mancebo will be in at least 4 of the daily breaks.

Maybe, but Greipel isn't Boonen, and is Greipel good enough if it's windy and split to pieces?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Maybe, but Greipel isn't Boonen, and is Greipel good enough if it's windy and split to pieces?

His team is strong enough to be a player in the crosswinds, so perhaps its more a question of wanting it. Perhaps Greipel just sits up and waits for a better day.

Anyway with really strong winds somebody will lose out.

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

I guess it all depends on how hard the windy stages will be. Boonen definitely has the upper hand in some serious crosswinds and if San Luis is anything to go by, the TT should be to his advantedge as well.

 

[gerundium]

Is this going to be broadcast anywhere in the EU? Can't see it in the Eurosport programming.

 

[greenedge]

Stannard or Boom to also challenge Boonen/ Cancellara.

 

[SlimChance]

What about Kroupis?

 

[manafana]

remember last year eurosport had issue with showing this so had rely on stream from the broadcaster in the area who do english coverage

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

What about Kroupis?

IIRC he did quite well in the wind a couple of years ago, but he has no chance with the TT.

 

[SlimChance]

IIRC he did quite well in the wind a couple of years ago, but he has no chance with the TT.

Thanks.

Looks like Leigh Howard will be leading him out looking for a stage win. He was 3rd on debut two years ago on stage 1 and did well last season too. Should st least make a podium again this week.

 

[movingtarget]

Eurosport not screening this in the Pacific region probably because of the Winter Olympics.