The full route and teams invited to participate in 2014 edition of Tour of Qatar have been announced today by its organizers, with the innovation in a form of the 10.9 kilometers long individual time trial being the most surprising element, possibly able to change the image of the sprinters-friendly event.

The stars of the peloton have been kicking off their season in Qatar since 2002, and since 2009 they have been courteous enough to let the ladies race first (February 4-7). Once again this year, many of the leading lights of the international peloton will come to Doha to duke it out from February 9 to 14. Lots of them will seek to put an end to the reign of the Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team, which has taken six of the last eight editions with, among others, four-time winner Tom Boonen and defending champion Mark Cavendish.

The 19 teams selected (one more than in 2013) will tackle five sprinter-friendly stages and a 10.9 km individual time trial around the Lusail Moto GP circuit, where power riders will be able to let their legs do the talking. The emirate's never-resting winds will likely decide the duel between the sprint specialists and the lone raiders, spicing up the Qatari race with a hint of the Flemish classics...

The 19 participating teams

Ag2r La Mondiale (FRA)
Astana Pro Team (KAZ)
Bardiani CSF (ITA)
Belkin – Pro Cycling Team (NED)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA)
FDJ.fr (FRA)
IAM Cycling (SUI)
Katusha Team (RUS)
Lotto Belisol (BEL)
Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team (BEL)
Orica-GreenEDGE (AUS)
Skydive Dubai (UAE)
Team NetApp – Endura (GER)
Team Sky (GBR)
Tinkoff Saxo (DEN)
Topsport Vlaanderen – Baloise (BEL)
Trek Factory Racing (USA)
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA)

Stages

Stage 1, Sunday, February 9: Al Wakra – Dukhan Beach (135.5 km)
Stage 2, Monday, February 10: Camel Race Track – Al Khor Corniche (160.5 km)
Stage 3, Tuesday, February 11: Lusail Circuit, individual time trial (10.9 km)
Stage 4, Wednesday, February 12: Dukhan - Mesaieed (135 km)
Stage 5, Thursday, February 13: Al Zubara Fort – Madinat ash-Shamal (159 km)
Stage 6, Friday, February 14: Sealine Beach Resort – Doha Corniche (113.5 km)