STAGE 5: Camel Race Track - Al Khor Corniche 160 KM's

The favourites are the same. Wind conditions were predicted to be calmer than the previous stages, this put a big smile on both myself and Kupeshov, who could really do something on this stage.

A 12 man break got away eventually. Containing Qatari Al-Sulimani of Team Nippo. Once again the break, whilst enjoying the TV exposure, were never going to make it and were always in control.

At the rear of the peloton, nine riders mysteriously were off the pace. Were they collecting supplies from their respective cars? Or were they subject to the 'CURSE OF THE CAMEL'!

Towards the final, the pace was up. Kupeshov told teammates C.S.Long and Bazayev that he felt really good today. He got the wheel of Colbrelli. The first sprint train to launch was SES Astra.

Kummer gets released at the optimum time and fends off Colbrelli for the win. Our main man Kupeshov put in a great performance and rounds off the podium, Argos Oil messed up their tactics. A great result for our team, a real morale booster.

STAGE RESULTS:

GENERAL RESULTS:

The last stage in New Zealand was a real exciting and chaotic won. The 60 kilometre stage cracked in the last 10 kilometres when the yellow jersey Inxausti crashed, taking a lot of riders with him. Zabel took the win from a 10 man group, our best rider was Nateghi who lead home a 7 man group 24 seconds later. Thanks to his teammates Inxausti finishes as the GC leader winning '27 over Villegas, although Meyer and Aramendia did finish in the front group on the stage. Sadly Roulston crashed heavily, but I have not been relayed the news on the extent of his injury, not a good sign.

On the eve of the final stage I was encouraged to do an interview, by the chairman of Qatar Optics Sheik Assam Al-Bijouan, with the English sect of Al-Jazeera TV, live in their studio. Ofcourse I was a bit nervous, at first, but I relaxed and really enjoyed the interview with their reporter, Jun Lee. It went something like this:

And that was it, my first TV interview with Qatar Optics over. That Jun Lee was something else, I tell you! When I got back to the hotel, Abdulatif Al Zaid was almost in hysterics after he saw me on TV. That guy I swear is a bit of a loose cannon but a real nice guy! On to the final stage of the Tour of Qatar now.

This morning team coach Bert De Waele called me from New Zealand and explained to me the extent of Roulston's injury. It was not good news. He had suffered a broken neck. The one bit of slightly reassuring news was that it was only a small break, I really hope his season is not over.

STAGE 6: Sealine Beach Resort - Doha 120 KM's

Stage Favourites:
***Colbrelli(KAT) **Kummer(SAS) *Arashiro(AGS)

The last stage in the Tour of Qatar. Realistically the yellow jersey was only between two men Colbrelli and Kummer, each have 2 wins a piece. Whoever wins will make a change from the previous 'big name' sprinters who have won the GC here: Kittel(2012-2015) and Farrar(2016).

The racing was hard early on with dozens of riders trying to get into the break. It took 60 kilometres for a five man break to establish including Fantini of Team Nippo, Karatzios of Panathinaikos tried to bridge the gap but ended up riding a lot of the stage in no man's land. Our Qatari men could be seen at the rear of the peloton being drafted along.

The climax of the stage involved laps around Doha. The sprinters teams were once again setting it up, you would have got short odds on this stage ending in a sprint.

Today is was a battle between Kummer and Leezer, Colbrelli not involved today. Kummer looked good but Leezer came out of the wheel at the right time and subsequently beat Kummer in a drag race, success at last for Argos Oil. C.S.Long was our best rider putting in a decent sprint to finish 9th.

With the bonus seconds taken Kummer wins the Tour of Qatar, picking up 3 stage wins along the way as well as the green jersey. A really strong showing for SES Astra with an exciting climax. If it wasn't for the TTT we could have had Kupeshov in the top 10, but I am satisfied with the team performance having achieved all goals. As for me, tomorrow I fly out to Japan, don't get me wrong I love Qatar, but I have seen enough camels for a lifetime!

STAGE RESULTS:

FINAL OVERALL RESULTS:

GREEN JERSEY:

On my brief flight over from Doha to Kumano, Japan. I had some time to kill. I ate a real tasty mushroom flavoured sandwich I bought at a emporium in Qatar, I can't stand airline food! I also read an article in the complementary magazine on the new presidency in Zimbabwe. But most importantly I made a phone call to Abdulatif Al Zaid.

Long story short I reminded him that he would be racing the following week in Oman. I also asked how he felt he was progressing as a rider. I was pleased when he told me he was training longer and more happily than ever, inappropriately he was even bragging about gaining a six pack! JOIN THE CLUB, I told him, I told him to pass my regards onto Mahdi Al Mowaled, as I did so the plane landed and I was off in no time.