The fourth stage of the Tour of Qatar led the peloton over 165 kilometers, starting in Al Thakhira. Headwind dictated most parts of the race but in the end the expected bunch sprint brought the decision in Mesaieed. Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) won in a photo finish and relegated Peter Sagan (Tinkoff – Saxo) to the second place. Niklas Arndt (Giant – Alpecin) completed the podium. Even though BORA – ARGON 18 was spotted in front of the field on the last five kilometers, the team didn’t come into action for today’s stage win. Ralf Matzka finished as the best-placed rider in 18th place.

“Due to the headwind the race was quite controlled. Therefore everybody was fresh for the sprint. Fresh legs, some corners and roundabouts make a very hectic final. Our guys lost contact in the rush and they couldn’t prepare the sprint as planned. Sam [Bennett] had to brake and restart several times which made it impossible to build up momentum. Finally, he was blocked too far away from the front to go for the sprint. So we end up with no result”, Andre Schulze, Sport Director of BORA – ARGON 18, summarizes the day. 

“Daniel [Schorn] crashed early but nothing is broken and he’ll start again. We hope to have another chance for a sprint tomorrow. The forecast shows some crosswinds so echelons might be a deciding factor”, Schulze adds.

Tomorrow’s fifth stage will start in Al Zubara Fort. After 153 kilometers the riders finish the day in Madinat ash-Shamal. Once again, a bunch sprint is highly expected.