LAMPRE-MERIDA moves its attention from Dubai Tour to Tour of Qatar that started today with a 136 km stage from Dukhan to Sealine Beach.

As it was expected, the wind was a protagonist, blowing as headwind in the first part of the course forcing the bunch to a low average speed of 30 km/h. In the first hour of the race, two attackers (Sterbini and Salomein) led the stage with a maximum advantage of 10', but the bunch reacted and soon the chase was completed.

The wind prompted some attacks that split the peloton and in the final kilometers, 50 riders were left in the front of the race.
Roberto Ferrari was the only rider from Team LAMPRE-MERIDA in the head group and he could obtain 14th place in the final sprint that was won by Rojas over Boonen and Démare.

Ferrari had already battled against the other top sprinters during the stage at the intermediate sprint, obtaining the 3rd place: this result allows him to be 5th in the overall classification.

"Today's stage was for us a first test, considering that it was the first race for Plaza and Mario Costa in our team, that Pozzato has just reached us from Dubai and that Bono and Richeze faced some health troubles," sports director Mauduit explained. "Ferrari was great: he could battle in the intermediate sprint and in the final kilometers he succeded in joining the front group. Already tomorrow we will improve the understanding and ride more united."