Finally, there was a positive result for Bardiani at the Tour of Qatar. Sprinter Nicola Ruffoni finished 5th at the end of stage 4 from Al Thakhira to Mesaieed over 165.5km.

Due to the wind the stage started one hour and ten minutes earlier than originally planned. A breakaway of three men stayed in front until 20km to go when the peloton closed the gap. The riders arrived for the final km together, despite some turmoil in front that changed the leading positions. When the sprint was launched, Ruffoni took Guardini’s wheel. He pipped him but when he got close to the first three riders he was closed on the right side of the finishing straight. He didn’t find enough space to continue his sprint and crossed the line in 5th place.

However a positive result for him and the whole squad that can look now with more confidence to the next two stages. 

”It was a demanding sprint after a new stage where wind, especially headwind, was strong," he said. "My teammates supported me really well in the last decisive part. The it was my time to find the right position for the bunch sprint. I was good when I jumped out from Guardini’s wheel, but when I was coming close to Kristoff, I found Blythe from Orica ahead of me and there was no space to pass him. Anyway after a few tough days this is a first good result. Day by day I’m feeling my condition is growing  and so I’m really confident for the next two stages." 

”A top-5 that means a great boost for the morale of the whole squad," manager Roberto Reverberi said. "The race here in Qatar is not easy especially with so young riders. But today we had our first stage with a normal development and without windstorms. We came out with a solid team performance with Ruffoni that made a good sprint. Now we have to continue in this way in the next two stages,"