Netherlands’ Wild in a class of her own in Tour of Qatar

Gusty winds, dust and treacherous desert terrain – for Netherlands’ Kirsten Wild, these seemingly tough obstacles are only mild hindrances.Wild, who won the first two editions of the Ladies Tour of Qatar, in 2009 and 2010, once again proved her dominance by winning the 97km first stage here yesterday.Wild was disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to complete her hat-trick of titles after her former team failed to take part last year. “It was upsetting to be in Holland and see other girls battle it out here,” Wild had said on the eve of the race. But yesterday, she made up for the lost opportunity by putting herself and the Netherlands National team on course for a third title by winning the stage from Camel Race Track to Al Khor Corniche with a time of 2h16’50.Specialized-lululemon’s Australian sprinter Chloe Hosking and defending champion Ellen van Dijk finished second and third, respectively.“There has to be some sort of connection between me and Qatar, that’s all I can say. I am really thrilled to win here and get a great start,” said a beaming Wild after her stage victory.Wild, who now keeps the golden jersey for the overall leader and silver jersey for points, was in the group of Specilaized-lululemon and GreenEDGE-AIS riders, who broke away early from the peloton.“The conditions were really testing as it has been in the past. As soon as I peeped through the window this morning, I knew it was going to be tough. “It was completely overcast and of course, very dusty. However, I have always enjoyed riding here in the wind and that did the trick you can say,” said Wild, who pipped Hosking at the line.As soon as the peloton left the Camel Race Track, seven riders managed to break clear. Defending champion van Dijk and Hosking were there from Specialized-lululemon, along with Trixi Worrack. GreenEDGE-AIS were represented by World time trial champion Judith Arndt, Loes Gunnewijk and former Australian champion Alex Rhodes. Wild was the only rider from the Netherlands National team to make the group.With the seven riders in front riding in team time trial mode, the first hour was covered in an incredible average speed of 53kph. Judith went on to win the first sprint after 39.5km at Sub Station, followed by Worrack and Wild.The second sprint at UmmThenaitain Farm was bagged by Wild ahead of Arndt and Worrack after 61km. Later the chasing group managed to bring the gap down to a single minute with 15km to go. As the cyclists headed close to the finish line, the gap began to open up once more. With just a few kilometres to go, the three Dutchwomen - van Dijk, Wild and Gunnewijk - made their move and stayed clear of the chasing pack. However, they were caught quickly by the pack and in the bunch sprint Wild showed that she had enough power in her legs to finish at the top. Today’s 114.5 km second stage will start at Al Zubara Fort 12pm and finish Madinat Al Shamal by 3pm. The first sprint will take place 91kms from finish near Al Ghuwairiya, while the second at the first crossing of the finish line at Madinat Al Shamal before heading for the last 36.5km.