In early February, Etixx-QuickStep will be missing from the Tour of Qatar. Tom Boonen's Belgian team has received an invitation from the organizers. "We have decided to have a different program," sports director Wilfried Peeters told Sporza.

The Tour of Qatar, one of the first stage races of the season, is traditionally an important appointment for Patrick Lefevere's troops. The Belgian team won eight of the last 10 editions.

Tom Boonen was the overall winner in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2012 and has won more than 20 stages in Qatar. But in 2016 Boonen will be unable to add to his tally.

The organizers of the Tour of Qatar have invited 18 teams from February 8-12. Etixx-QuickStep, who won the last four editions is th surprise absentee.

Sports director Wilfried Peeters has explained why Etixx-QuickStep will not ride in Qatar. Peeters stressed that the team has made their own decision not to participate in the stage race.

"The Volta Valenciana (February 3-7) returns to the calendar. Then we decided to have another schedule for the classics team," said Peeters.

"Part of the classic riders will ride in Spain, some will ride the Volta ao Algarve. In this way, the travelling shortly before the Flemish opening weekend will be reduced a bit."