After news broke that Etixx-QuickStep were omitted from the Tour of Qatar this season due to bad behaviour, general manager Patrick Lefevere has hit back at the organisers of the race.

“They should better organise their race in Qatar,” he told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. “I do not know what's upset the sheikh," he added.

Lefevere said that he would have found it tough t send his stars to the race, leaving just Niki Terpstra to ride, the winner of the last two events before 2016.

“We wanted Kittel but that was tough after his difficult year, and we weren't going to send Boonen immediately to the bustle of Qatar after his skull fracture,” Lefevere said.

Lefevere said that before taking digs at his team, the race organsiers should look in the mirror to try and provide better facilities for riders.

"They first need to get their own house in order in their organisation,” Lefevere added. “Do you find it normal that the riders have to change on the side of the road after the race? For years, we’ve asked for a tent to have a little shelter. But again, the riders always have to expose themselves to the crowds. That's the problem. Just as I don't find it strange that a rider wants to freshen up before he goes to the podium. And yes, there was a party last year. But is that so bad?”