Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Giorgia Bronzini sprinted into second place at the end of the fourth and final stage of the Ladies’ Tour of Qatar, between the Sealine Beach Resort and the Doha Corniche, after a perfect team performance from the black and orange team. The former two-time road World Champion was the only rider able to follow the acceleration of race leader Kirsten Wild (Liv-Shimano), as she launched her sprint in the final 200 metres of the 85km stage, but was just unable to come past the big, powerful Dutchwoman on the line.
The two top sprinters in the race crossed the line several lengths clear of the battle for third place, which was taken by Melissa Hoskins (Orica-AIS).
“The girls did a perfect job for me today,” Bronzini said afterwards. “They sheltered me from the wind through the whole stage, and made sure I was in the right position, so I had only to think about my sprint.
“I was able to position myself on the wheel of Kirsten Wild, but she was too strong for me at the finish.
“I am a little bit disappointed that I could not win the stage, but I am very happy with my condition,” the Italian added. “I’m also very happy with the feeling in the team. The girls all rode really hard for me again today, and I was happy that I could give them a good result.”
Unlike previous days, a strong headwind saw the peloton stay together on its northerly journey up the east coast of the Qatari peninsular, with two riders allowed to build up a lead of just over a minute at around the halfway point.
Onto the six kilometre finishing circuit the peloton’s speed went up, as a series of attacks saw the breakaway caught, with Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Charlotte Becker and Emilia Fahlin marking the most dangerous-looking moves. The final attack was chased down by Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling with the Liv-Giant team, before the sprinters manoeuvred themselves for the dash to the line.
Result stage 4
1. Kirsten Wild (Liv-Shimano)
2. Giorgia Bronzini (Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling)
3. Melissa Hoskins (Orica-AIS)
Image credit: ASO/Bruno Bade
