Unlike the previous day, which saw near perfect conditions for racing, the 94.5km Stage 2 from the Museum of Islamic Art to Lusail was a wind swept affair highlighted by crashes and a well timed breakaway.
With the winds causing havoc amongst the field of 89 competitors, a resourceful and attentive group of 8 were able to surge head of the pack just as the winds and course changed directions. Led by a quartet (Ellen Van Dijk, Adrie Visser, Charlotte Becker and Chloe Hosking) from HTC-Highroad and a trio (Alexis Rhodes, Iris Slappendel and Trine Schmidt) from Garmin-Cervelo, with Loes Gunnewijk (Nederland Bloeit) in tow, the breakaway proved decisive even though Hosking would eventually be felled by a mechanical.
In the finale, the HTC-Highroad Women turned out to be too much as Van Dijk took out the sprint from distance and held on to claim the stage win and the race's leader's jersey. Garmin-Cervelo's Alexis Rhodes and Van Dijk's teammate, Adrie Visser, would round out the day's podium.
It looks as if the rivalry between the American-based HTC-Highroad and Garmin-Cervelo teams has found its way into the women's ranks now that Garmin is fielding a team.
Results Stage 2
1. Ellen Van Dijk (HTC Highroad Women)
2. Alexis Rhodes (Garmin - Cervelo)
3. Adrie Visser (HTC Highroad Women)
Alison Starnes (United States of America) showed off her individual time trialing skills late as she tried to bridge up to the lead pack. The Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 rider would be the best placed American on the day; crossing the line solo, 1:45 in arrears to finish in 8th.
Other Notables
8. Alison Starnes (United States of America)
9. Noemi Cantele (Garmin - Cervelo)
11. Rasa Leleivyte (Vaiano Solaristech
12. Martine Bras (Netherlands)
13. Rochelle Gilmore (Lotto Honda Team)
15. Giorgia Bronzini (Italy)
22. Emilia Fahlin (HTC Highroad Women)
24. Chloe Hosking (HTC Highroad Women)
32. Sarah Düster (Nederland Bloeit)
33. Emma Mackie (Australia)
39. Nicole Cooke (SC Mcipollini Giordana)
43. Tiffany Cromwell (Lotto Honda Team)
53. Evelyn Stevens (HTC Highroad Women)
57. Kendall Ryan (United States of America)
61. Alison Testroete (Skil-Koga Cycling Team)
71. Jacquelyn Crowell (United States of America)
72. Ruth Corset (Australia)
74. Carmen Small (United States of America)
86. Megan Guarnier (United States of America)
87. Coryn Rivera (United States of America)
General Classification After Stage 2
1. Ellen Van Dijk (HTC Highroad Women)
2. Charlotte Becker (HTC Highroad Women)
3. Iris Slappendel (Garmin - Cervelo)
4. Adrie Visser (HTC Highroad Women)
5. Alexis Rhodes (Garmin - Cervelo)
6. Loes Gunnewijk (Nederland Bloeit)
7. Trine Schmidt (Garmin - Cervelo)
8. Rochelle Gilmore (Lotto Honda Team)
9. Giorgia Bronzini (Italy)
10. Chloe Hosking (HTC Highroad Women)
Photo: Qatar Cycling Federation
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