One of the most difficult stages in the history of the Tour of Qatar became the most successful one for the Russian WorldTour Team Katusha. The Team’s leader Alexander Kristoff won the second stage of the race, bringing to Katusha its first victory of the 2015 season, making this victory for Team Katusha its first ever win in the Tour of Qatar.

"It was a very long sprint. I bridged up to Terpstra and Guardini who had a little gap and with 500 meters to go I went full gas. I felt I had it under control but Guardini is a fast guy, I was only sure when I crossed the finish line. I am really happy today with this victory. Finally I managed to win here in Qatar!

"It was a really hard day, but my legs were ok. I felt good during the whole stage and my team supported me. The guys really did excellent work today as well as yesterday, too. They kept me safe all day and I could save some energy for the final. Of course, in the final I was a little bit tired, but I think everyone in the group was in the same condition, because the last part of the stage was hard. But I was able to win the sprint and this is great!

"This is my earliest victory ever in my career and I am happy. The windy conditions today suited me very well. In Norway I live at the coast. We even have more wind there," said Alexander Kristoff.

"This was maybe the hardest stage I have ever seen here in Qatar. A very strong wind, high pace, permanent echelons and fighting for position in the front made this stage a real struggle. The team was great today. The peloton split in groups so many times, and every time Alex had his teammates, who supported him. The last time, when the leading group of 20 riders went away, Viacheslav Kuznetsov and Sven Erik Bystrøm helped Alex to get a good position in front. In the end it was the  great sprint of Kristoff who finished the job. This is our first 2015 victory and I am happy we’ve got it so early in the season," added Team Katusha sports director Torsten Schmidt.

The second stage of the Tour of Qatar at 194km was held between Al Wakra and Al Khor Corniche. From the beginning a very strong wind provoked enormous speed from the peloton – in the first two hours the average speed of the main group was 54km/h. When the wind direction changed, the peloton split in different echelons. With some 30 km to go a group of 20 riders, with Alexander Kristoff among them, went away from the other riders.

In the sprint from a reduced group – just 15 riders left in the last kilometer -  Alexander Kristoff started his sprint with 200 meters to go, taking his first 2015 win. Andrea Guardini from Astana was second, while Greg Van Avermaet from BMC completed the daily podium with the third position.

Viacheslav Kuznetsov, Sven Erik Bystrøm and Luca Paolini finished in the closest chasing group 15 seconds later, taking 16th, 18th and 23rd positions, respectively.

After two stages Alexander Kristoff is the GC leader, wearing the gold jersey. Tom Boonen from Etixx – Quick Step is second (+0.01), Greg Van Avermat is third (+0.03).

Tomorrow the third stage of the Tour of Qatar – a 10,9 km individual time trial on the Lusoil Circuit - will be held.