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Photography by Cor Vos
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Photo gallery: Highlights from the 2015 Ladies Tour of Qatar

by Jessi Braverman

Kirsten Wild (Liv-Plantur) has won four editions of the Ladies Tour of Qatar. Her notable absence in 2015 made it anyone's game in the Qatari desert. Boels-Dolmans capitalised on the infamous crosswinds, forcing splits on the second stage that would prove decisive in deciding the overall.

Following a somewhat surprising field sprint win by Annalisa Cucinotta (Alé-Cipollini) on the opening stage, it was the Boels-Dolmans show with Ellen van Dijk taking out stage two and Lizzie Armitstead taking back-to-back wins on stage three and four. Both van Dijk and Armitstead spent time in the race leader's yellow jersey before Armitstead ultimately took out the overall victory.

Ella CyclingTips spoke with Jolien d'Hoore (Wiggle Honda), Chloe Hosking (Wiggle Honda), Kimberley Wells (Australian National Team), Emma Johansson (Orica-AIS) and sport director Martin Barras (Orica-AIS) over the weekend and have included their impression of the four days of racing in the photo gallery below.

Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) shares a smile with teammates before the start of stage one. She would have plenty of reasons to smile before the four days of racing would come to a close. For many of the European teams, Ladies Tour of Qatar marks the debut of new team kits, the first time racing with new teammates and building the trust that will serve as a foundation throughout the season. “It’s interesting to see the new teams and how they work together. You pay attention to how they talk to each other in the bunch. Who is working well in the sprint? How do they get along off the bike? This is the most interesting at the moment. It’s difficult to tell already in Qatar who is the strongest for the early part of the season.” – Emma Johansson (Orica-AIS)
Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) shares a smile with teammates before the start of stage one. She would have plenty of reasons to smile before the four days of racing would come to a close. For many of the European teams, Ladies Tour of Qatar marks the debut of new team kits, the first time racing with new teammates and building the trust that will serve as a foundation throughout the season. “It’s interesting to see the new teams and how they work together. You pay attention to how they talk to each other in the bunch. Who is working well in the sprint? How do they get along off the bike? This is the most interesting at the moment. It’s difficult to tell already in Qatar who is the strongest for the early part of the season.” – Emma Johansson (Orica-AIS)

The city of Doha served as a backdrop for stage one that took the women’s peloton between the start at the Museum of Islamic Art to the finish in Dukhan Beach. “This race is really important for women’s cycling. It gives us the opportunity to ride on the same roads as the men. It’s broadcast on television. For us, as a team, it was a chance to show ourselves for the first time this season. Everybody wants to do well, so there’s always a lot of hard competition.” – Jolien d’Hoore (Wiggle Honda)
The city of Doha served as a backdrop for stage one that took the women’s peloton between the start at the Museum of Islamic Art to the finish in Dukhan Beach. “This race is really important for women’s cycling. It gives us the opportunity to ride on the same roads as the men. It’s broadcast on television. For us, as a team, it was a chance to show ourselves for the first time this season. Everybody wants to do well, so there’s always a lot of hard competition.” – Jolien d’Hoore (Wiggle Honda)

Many riders cite the cultural aspect of racing in Qatar as a non-racing highlight. As usual, riders posted camel selfies on social media before select stages.
Many riders cite the cultural aspect of racing in Qatar as a non-racing highlight. As usual, riders posted camel selfies on social media before select stages.

Annalisa Cucinotta (Alé-Cipollini) won the stage one bunch sprint to claim the first race leader’s jersey. She edged out Wiggle Honda’s Giorgia Bronzini and Marta Tagliaferro (Alé –Cipollini) to the line. The lack of wind limited options for several teams who had hoped to be able to split the race apart before the finish. “It was a hectic desperado battle for the line. Ultimately, some of the teams that were there with the strongest riders didn’t win – which was really weird.” – Kimberley Wells (Australian National Team)
Annalisa Cucinotta (Alé-Cipollini) won the stage one bunch sprint to claim the first race leader’s jersey. She edged out Wiggle Honda’s Giorgia Bronzini and Marta Tagliaferro (Alé –Cipollini) to the line. The lack of wind limited options for several teams who had hoped to be able to split the race apart before the finish. “It was a hectic desperado battle for the line. Ultimately, some of the teams that were there with the strongest riders didn’t win – which was really weird.” – Kimberley Wells (Australian National Team)

Jolien d’Hoore (Wiggle Honda) was one of several national champions amongst the women’s peloton in Qatar. It’s always fun to get a first glimpse of the new team kits. Podium Café is hosting a survey here.
Jolien d’Hoore (Wiggle Honda) was one of several national champions amongst the women’s peloton in Qatar. It’s always fun to get a first glimpse of the new team kits. Podium Café is hosting a survey here.

There may not have been a lot of wind on the second stage of the Ladies Tour of Qatar but it was enough to split the race apart. “When it is windy, the breakaway and the peloton split up in a matter of minutes. It happens so quickly, and you’re using just as much energy to get to the end if you miss out. You watch the race disappear and there is nothing you can do about it in the wind. It’s just crazy. “ – Kimberley Wells (Australian National Team)
There may not have been a lot of wind on the second stage of the Ladies Tour of Qatar but it was enough to split the race apart. “When it is windy, the breakaway and the peloton split up in a matter of minutes. It happens so quickly, and you’re using just as much energy to get to the end if you miss out. You watch the race disappear and there is nothing you can do about it in the wind. It’s just crazy. “ – Kimberley Wells (Australian National Team)

Sixteen riders made the front group split, and just like that, the rest of the field was out of contention for both the stage and the overall. While sport director Martin Barras was in Qatar with Orica-AIS, he also has significant involvement with the national team. He says the race can be a bit of a shock for the Australians who have minimal experience racing outside of Europe. He said: “For me, it was important to be able to sit down with the girls. I tried to tell them as much as I could before they went but they don’t really realise until they get there. After the second stage, I saw a few of them and explained: 'It’s a bit confronting. It’s a bit in your face, but have a good look around. Any other Australian here has lived through the experience that you’ve gone through – and look at them. Look at Chloe Hosking. She was in the mix to win the race. The important thing is for the girls to realise the rest of the peloton isn’t a whole lot stronger; they’re a whole lot more experienced.' ”
Sixteen riders made the front group split, and just like that, the rest of the field was out of contention for both the stage and the overall. While sport director Martin Barras was in Qatar with Orica-AIS, he also has significant involvement with the national team. He says the race can be a bit of a shock for the Australians who have minimal experience racing outside of Europe. He said: “For me, it was important to be able to sit down with the girls. I tried to tell them as much as I could before they went but they don’t really realise until they get there. After the second stage, I saw a few of them and explained: ‘It’s a bit confronting. It’s a bit in your face, but have a good look around. Any other Australian here has lived through the experience that you’ve gone through – and look at them. Look at Chloe Hosking. She was in the mix to win the race. The important thing is for the girls to realise the rest of the peloton isn’t a whole lot stronger; they’re a whole lot more experienced.’ ”

Ladies Tour of Qatar 2015 stage - 2

Ladies Tour of Qatar 2015 stage - 2

Chloe Hosking (Wiggle Honda) was the last rider to make the initial split of 16 – and she was well-positioned heading into the finale when attacks further split the group. She started the tour with the aim of winning the overall. Gobbling up bonus seconds and making the elite selection kept her ambitions in check. “The Qatar racing is such a specialist sort of style of racing. You have to be able to read the crosswinds and read the race. I think you saw on the second stage when only six girls finished on the front, that doesn’t happen in many races – especially not flat races. Maybe you’ll get that in a few of the Dutch races, but it’s not that common. I love Qatar so much because it is such a specialist style of race and for me, it suits my strengths. It’s for the fast and the power riders. We get a few races like that but not ones that can just be ripped to pieces in the crosswinds.” – Chloe Hosking
Chloe Hosking (Wiggle Honda) was the last rider to make the initial split of 16 – and she was well-positioned heading into the finale when attacks further split the group. She started the tour with the aim of winning the overall. Gobbling up bonus seconds and making the elite selection kept her ambitions in check. “The Qatar racing is such a specialist sort of style of racing. You have to be able to read the crosswinds and read the race. I think you saw on the second stage when only six girls finished on the front, that doesn’t happen in many races – especially not flat races. Maybe you’ll get that in a few of the Dutch races, but it’s not that common. I love Qatar so much because it is such a specialist style of race and for me, it suits my strengths. It’s for the fast and the power riders. We get a few races like that but not ones that can just be ripped to pieces in the crosswinds.” – Chloe Hosking

Ladies Tour of Qatar 2015 stage - 2

Ellen van Dijk (Boels-Dolmans) finished three seconds ahead of her former break-mates, led home by Trixi Worrack (Velocio-SRAM). The time gained over the rest of the field coupled with the bonus seconds on the finish line put van Dijk into the race lead.
Ellen van Dijk (Boels-Dolmans) finished three seconds ahead of her former break-mates, led home by Trixi Worrack (Velocio-SRAM). The time gained over the rest of the field coupled with the bonus seconds on the finish line put van Dijk into the race lead.

Eddy Merckx stands alongside the race leader. Merckx may seem like an unlikely backer of a women’s event; however, he has strong business ties to the region and a relationship with Qatar Cycling in the hopes of expanding cycling globally. “He said to me that he thought this year’s edition of the race was the best he’s ever seen and that women’s cycling is just getting bigger and bigger. He thinks in the last three years that the depth has just skyrocketed. For someone like Eddy Merckx to say that – well, that’s pretty cool. “ – Chloe Hosking
Eddy Merckx stands alongside the race leader. Merckx may seem like an unlikely backer of a women’s event; however, he has strong business ties to the region and a relationship with Qatar Cycling in the hopes of expanding cycling globally. “He said to me that he thought this year’s edition of the race was the best he’s ever seen and that women’s cycling is just getting bigger and bigger. He thinks in the last three years that the depth has just skyrocketed. For someone like Eddy Merckx to say that – well, that’s pretty cool. “ – Chloe Hosking

Boels-Dolmans continue to their show of dominance at stage three of the Ladies Tour of Qatar. Here the team can be seen massed on the front around race leader Ellen van Dijk.
Boels-Dolmans continue to their show of dominance at stage three of the Ladies Tour of Qatar. Here the team can be seen massed on the front around race leader Ellen van Dijk.

Qatar is typically characterised by a nervous bunch – and those nerves can often translate into crashes. Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle Honda) was one of many riders to hit the ground. Although she managed to get back on the back, she suffered substantial roadrash and required medical care post stage. Her team ultimately made the decision to have her sit out stage four.
Qatar is typically characterised by a nervous bunch – and those nerves can often translate into crashes. Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle Honda) was one of many riders to hit the ground. Although she managed to get back on the back, she suffered substantial roadrash and required medical care post stage. Her team ultimately made the decision to have her sit out stage four.

Chantal Blaak (Boels-Dolmans) slips a bottle into her jersey pocket as she made her way back to the bunch. Hydration is key in the Qatari desert. For the riders who spent the European winter racing in Australian summer, Qatar represents the last of warm weather racing. For the Europeans and North Americans, Qatar is a welcome reprieve from harsh weather training.
Chantal Blaak (Boels-Dolmans) slips a bottle into her jersey pocket as she made her way back to the bunch. Hydration is key in the Qatari desert. For the riders who spent the European winter racing in Australian summer, Qatar represents the last of warm weather racing. For the Europeans and North Americans, Qatar is a welcome reprieve from harsh weather training.

Orica-AIS was one of several teams that launched repeated attacks throughout the week. While their efforts didn’t translate into the desired results, their ability to put other teams under pressures built confidence for the Australian outfit. “Our ambition are always straightforward – first and foremost we race to win. Secondly – we want to have a highly organised and disciplined race that allows us to maximise our opportunities. The stage result didn’t eventuate but the way the team carried itself was top-notch. It’s something we’ve seen since January and something we’re very pleased about. The girls are handling themselves very professionally. Everything we say we will do, we do.” – Martin Barras (Orica-AIS)
Orica-AIS was one of several teams that launched repeated attacks throughout the week. While their efforts didn’t translate into the desired results, their ability to put other teams under pressures built confidence for the Australian outfit. “Our ambition are always straightforward – first and foremost we race to win. Secondly – we want to have a highly organised and disciplined race that allows us to maximise our opportunities. The stage result didn’t eventuate but the way the team carried itself was top-notch. It’s something we’ve seen since January and something we’re very pleased about. The girls are handling themselves very professionally. Everything we say we will do, we do.” – Martin Barras (Orica-AIS)

Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) gives her team a second win in as many days. Armitstead’s teammate and overnight race leader Ellen van Dijk finished in eighth place on the stage after playing a critical role in the Boels-Dolmans lead-out.
Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) gives her team a second win in as many days. Armitstead’s teammate and overnight race leader Ellen van Dijk finished in eighth place on the stage after playing a critical role in the Boels-Dolmans lead-out.

Teams relaxed ahead of the fourth stage, which would prove less hectic than the previous two days.
Teams relaxed ahead of the fourth stage, which would prove less hectic than the previous two days.

While many teams seemed content to battle for stage victory, Hosking and her Wiggle Honda teammates continued to fight for the overall win. Hosking started stage three in third overall, nine seconds behind Armitstead. By the end of stage four, Hosking would jump up to second overall. “I wanted to win. I made no secret of it, and I was really proud of how we fought. I think after the second stage, we were the only team who said: “You know what? This race isn’t over.” I got to within one second of the jersey on the third stage, and I really shot myself in the foot by not getting time bonuses on the third stage finish. Even up until the very last sprint, we didn’t give up. I’m really proud of the team for that, and I’m not disappointed to finish even though I went into the race with the goal to win. Lizzie was just a better rider for the four days.” – Chloe Hosking
While many teams seemed content to battle for stage victory, Hosking and her Wiggle Honda teammates continued to fight for the overall win. Hosking started stage three in third overall, nine seconds behind Armitstead. By the end of stage four, Hosking would jump up to second overall. “I wanted to win. I made no secret of it, and I was really proud of how we fought. I think after the second stage, we were the only team who said: “You know what? This race isn’t over.” I got to within one second of the jersey on the third stage, and I really shot myself in the foot by not getting time bonuses on the third stage finish. Even up until the very last sprint, we didn’t give up. I’m really proud of the team for that, and I’m not disappointed to finish even though I went into the race with the goal to win. Lizzie was just a better rider for the four days.” – Chloe Hosking

Ladies Tour of Qatar 2015 stage - 4

Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) puts a stamp of authority on the final day of racing, sprinting to victory in the race leader's jersey.
Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) puts a stamp of authority on the final day of racing, sprinting to victory in the race leader’s jersey.

Stage win number two Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) and stage win number three for the Dutch-registered squad. Armitstead won the overall ahead of Chloe Hosking (Wiggle Honda) and Ellen van Dijk (Boels-Dolmans) "It’s the first real test. It’s not a minor race anymore. Many years ago it used to be an early season race where the Europeans would show up white, pasty and not particularly fit. They would use the race to get themselves ready. Now it’s the first proper hit-out of the season. It’s hard. Everyone knows it’s hard. You get a very quick judgment of where your team is at. " - Martin Barras
Stage win number two Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) and stage win number three for the Dutch-registered squad. Armitstead won the overall ahead of Chloe Hosking (Wiggle Honda) and Ellen van Dijk (Boels-Dolmans) “It’s the first real test. It’s not a minor race anymore. Many years ago it used to be an early season race where the Europeans would show up white, pasty and not particularly fit. They would use the race to get themselves ready. Now it’s the first proper hit-out of the season. It’s hard. Everyone knows it’s hard. You get a very quick judgment of where your team is at. ” - Martin Barras

The media frenzy following the race win. Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) fields questions from journalists.
The media frenzy following the race win. Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) fields questions from journalists.

Eddy Merckx is all smiles following a top-notch edition of the Ladies Tour of Qatar. "We were walking back to the hotel, and he said to me: 'Awww, that was a close sprint' And I was like: 'Yeah, that was really close.' To have someone like Eddy Merckx comment on your sprint is pretty cool." - Chloe Hosking
Eddy Merckx is all smiles following a top-notch edition of the Ladies Tour of Qatar. “We were walking back to the hotel, and he said to me: ‘Awww, that was a close sprint’ And I was like: ‘Yeah, that was really close.’ To have someone like Eddy Merckx comment on your sprint is pretty cool.” - Chloe Hosking

Tags: 2015 Ladies Tour of Qatar, Boels-Dolmans, Chloe Hosking, Ellen van Dijk, Emma Johansson, jolien d'hoore, kimberely wells, Lizzie Armitstead, Loren Rowney, Martin Barras, Photo Gallery
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  • xponti

    Lizzie Armistead rides for Boels, not WIggle (Top photo)

  • scottmanning

    Big night last night Eddy?

  • http://theactofsearching.wordpress.com amy taylor

    This is awesome. Love this style of reporting, with pictures telling most of the story with quotes to finish it. Briliant.

    • Jessi Braverman

      Thanks, Amy. I had a lot of fun putting altogether. Credit to the riders for always so generously sharing their stories with us!

  • Rowena

    Fantastic to see all those pictures :D

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