- HOT TOPICS:
- The new VeloNews.com (BETA)
Cervelo's Kirsten Wild ties up the first ever Women's Tour of Qatar as Bronzini takes her second stage.
- Article Extras
- Results
- Race Index
The third and final stage of the Women's 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. Overall victory went to Dutch rider Kirsten Wild.
As the 84 remaining riders started, only 6 seconds separated Wild from her closest Bronzini on the GC.
At the first intermediate sprint at Al Jemailyia, Wild added an extra 3 seconds to her cushion. Despite several attempts, the main bunch stayed together until the 64th kilometer when American Katherine Caroll went on the attack and was away by herself for two kilometers.
Immediately after Carroll's capture, as the wind became more favorable, the pack broke up into several groups with all the favorites in the lead.
At the second intermediate sprint at Umm Suwaiyah (km 97), Wild again powered to the line claiming an extra three seconds ahead of Bronzini and Australia's Kirsty Broun. The pace eased up from then on as a group of 17 broke away, including all the jersey holders and main favorites.
USA’s Lauren Tamayo then managed to take off for what looked to be a decisive move. With 5 kilometers to go she enjoyed a 20-second advantage, growing to 28 seconds a kilometer later. However, the gap then started shrinking, and at the 1k mark, she held a 15-second gap and was reeled in on the last straight.
As on stage 1, Bronzini proved to be the fastest of the bunch. She crossed the line triumphantly ahead of Rochelle Gilmore and Wild.
Wild won the GC by four seconds over Bronzini and 21 seconds over Broun. She also won the final points silver jersey while her compatriot Ellen Van Dijk finished as best young rider.
