Edvald Boasson Hagen put in an incredible display of power during the 3rd stage of the Tour of Qatar, to win the 11km time trial by 25″ from Jos van Emden (LottoNL-Jumbo). Manuel Quinziato (BMC Racing) rounded out the podium in 3rd place.
Boasson Hagen knew he had to try and stay above a 50km/h average over the windy and dusty course in Lusail to beat the previous best time set by van Emden, which would possibly also be enough to move into the overall race lead as well.
After being 11 seconds faster than Van Emden at the half way mark, Boasson Hagen really turned up the heat over the second part of the course to come home with a new fastest time of 13’26”.
Nobody would come close to Boasson Hagen’s time and the stage and overall race lead would go to the Norwegian rider. Race leader and team-mate of Boassen Hagen’s Mark Cavendish also put in an impressive performance.
Having spent the majority of his winter training on the track in his bid for an Olympic spot, the Manxman powered himself to 7th place on the stage.
These results saw Cavendish slot into 2nd place behind Boasson Hagen on GC and while he gives up the gold leaders jersey to his teammate, he will now wear the silver points jersey as leader of that competition tomorrow.
Edvald Boasson Hagen
“It went pretty well today, I have been feeling quite strong since earlier in the week so I had a go to try and take the victory today. I am feeling strong but also I suffered in the wind. I am just happy that it was enough to take the jersey which we will do our best to keep.”
Roger Hammond – Directeur Sportif
“Today was a crucial day for the team in Qatar so for Edvald to deliver such an impressive display was all the more enjoyable to watch. It was a performance I will remember for a long time. We knew he was in good shape when he came here and today’s time trial has proved that. There is a lot of racing still to go here but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
