Team Katusha rider Alexander Kristoff took third place in the final general classification of the prestigious stage race Tour of Qatar. Besides, Kristoff won the silver jersey of the point classification.

"Before today’s stage everything was very close in overall classification, so it was clear we had to try something. We were motivated and we tried to get some seconds in the intermediate sprints during the race. But, at the same time we used a lot of energy. In the end we missed some power to bring me in front into a good position. But, at least we tried and we fought till the last meters. I can’t complain, because it was a great week. Team Katusha was impressive here, my teammates did an amazing race and I thank them for that. This is my best ever start of the season with 3 victories and final podium. Now we need some rest before the next race – Tour of Oman," said Alexander Kristoff.

"Today's stage was very fast. From the start Team Katusha tried to take the responsibility in the race. We worked in front, controlling the situation and supporting Alexander Kristoff. Later we helped Alex to take some bonus seconds in the intermediate sprint, continuing working in front. I want to say that our guys fought in this stage till the end, we wanted to get another success, but I admit, we were a little bit tired in the final after all these hard stages we had this week. Anyway, the team was really great and I am proud of our riders! We spent a perfect week here in Qatar! We won 3 stages, took a place on the final podium, won the silver jersey, but the main thing, we showed a very high level of our preparation to the season and a perfect team unity and cohesion," added Katusha’s sport director Torsten Schmidt.

Niki Terpstra from Etixx – Quick Step became the final winner of the Tour of Qatar for the second time in a row. Maciej Bodnar from Tinkoff-Saxo who lost 6 seconds to the winner, was second. Alexander Kristoff completed the final race podium, 9 seconds behind the winner.

Today’s last 6th stage of the race was held between Sealine Beach Resort and Doha Corniche (113 km). The stage ended with the bunch sprint, won by Sam Bennett from Bora-Argon 18, who outsprinted Andrea Guardini from Astana and Nacer Bouhanni from Cofidis. Alexander Kristoff was 19th.