Another stage race started today in the Middle East – the Tour of Qatar opened with the first stage of 136 km from Dukhan to Sealine Beach. Team Katusha rider Alexander Kristoff took 9th place in the bunch sprint.

"It was a windy day and the peloton was split in the second part of the race, but we had Team Katusha riders in the front group to support Alexander Kristoff.  I am happy with the team in our first race, they did a good job today. In the final we had our first bunch sprint in the season. Alex was in Top-10, but he was blocked in the last 100 meters and it was impossible to get a better place. Tomorrow is another stage and we are looking forward to it," said sports director of Team KatushaTorsten Schmidt.

The first stage was won by José Rojas from Movistar, who outsprinted Tom Boonen from Etixx – Quick Step and French Champion Arnaud Démare from FDJ.

Tomorrow the second stage of the Tour of Qatar will be held – the peloton will pass 194,5 km from Al Wakra to Al Khor Corniche.