10 February, Doha, Qatar
BMC Racing Team finished with two riders inside the top five in today’s 11.4 kilometer Individual Time Trial at the Tour of Qatar, which was dominated by Edvald Boasson-Hagen (Dimension Data).
Powerhouse Manuel Quinziato stormed home to finish in third place, elevating him to third in the General Classification behind new race leader Boasson-Hagen.
Van Avermaet’s fourth place has bumped him up to fourth overall on the GC, with Daniel Oss taking tenth in today’s ITT, and Michael Schär rounding out the GC in tenth place.
The ITT was a good indication of his current form, Quinziato said.
“Third in a time trial at this level is a good sign. I spent a good winter at the training camps we did. I knew I had good shape in training but you never know how’re you’re going to feel in the race and today was a good confirmation that I’m starting the season off on the right foot.
“We are happy. I think we are in third and fourth on GC with two stages to go, so we can still try something.’
Van Avermaet is happy with his performance in the ITT so early in the season.
“I’m pretty happy with my time trial. Before last year I had never done a good time trial so I tried to do my best this year. I did the same average in terms of power as last year which was good.
“I think I’m fourth in the GC. I was hoping that Boasson Hagen would not be so strong and that everyone would stay at the same level so that I could have taken the jersey. It’s a little bit disappointing but it’s only the start of the season.”
The peloton faces a long day in the saddle tomorrow with a 189 kilometer stage from Al Zubarah Fort to Madinat Al Shamal.
With three riders in the top ten on GC, BMC Racing Team currently leads the Teams Classification.
