The Tour of Qatar ended on a high note for Bardiani as Nicola Boem and Stefano Pirazzi were on the attack in the final stage. The young Italian squad finished a really demanding race that has been very useful to gain important race pace that will be fundamental for the upcoming European races.

After the start outside the Sealine Beach Resort,  the green team duo attacked, followed by Van Hecke (Topsport) and Burghardt (BMC). Due to a completely flat route and the short distance, the breakaway didn’t get more than 2:10. Boem and Pirazzi pulled strongly in front for several kilometers, bringing the break onto the final circuit of 5.7km to cover 10 times.

With 50km to go, the peloton came really fast and closed the gap. The stage finished with a classic bunch sprint won by Sam Bennett (Bora – Argon 18) who beat Guardini (Astana) and Bouhanni (Cofidis). Nicola Ruffoni could not take part as he was following Kristoff (Katusha), winner of three stages, who was closed and unable to sprint. The best Bardiani rider was Andrea Piechele who finished 18th. 

”We honored this important race until the end, sending two riders in the last breakaway, and they made a great effort. Compared to the other teams here, we were the only one with the same line-up as in Dubai Tour (except Simion who is back home due the injury sustained in Dubai, ed.). So it was normal to see a little decline of performance. Especially because we’re at the start of season and our riders are young," manager Roberto Reverberi said.

"Anyway this significant race schedule has helped them to improve their shape, a fundamental aspect for the next races in Europe. Now we still have another race here before going back: Tour of Oman. New and fresh riders from Italy are coming. Now is the time for our climbers and puncheurs."