Judith claims top honours in Qatar

German Judith Arndt of GreenEDGE won the fourth edition of the Ladies Tour of Qatar by holding off a challenge from Germany’s Trixi Worrack of Team Specialized Lululemon (SLU) here yesterday.Arndt began the final day holding a slender two-second lead but what paved the victory for her by the end of the 92.5km run around the Katara Cultural Village was the bonus seconds that she picked up at the intermediate sprint. Netherlands’ Kirsten Wild went on to win the third and final stage ahead of compatriots Ellen Van Dijk of Team SLU and Adrie Visser of Skil-1t4i but failed to overcome a two-minute deficit and had to be content with the third spot in the overall classification. The team title was bagged by Team SLU, whose rider Chloe Hosking also walked away with the best young rider’s title.“The margin between me and Worrack was a mere two seconds and it was important to get those bonus seconds in the intermediate sprints and I managed that. I’m very happy to start with a victory here with a new team,” said the veteran cyclist Arndt.Kendell Ryan (USA) was the first to break away from the pack and led for 30 kilometres to manage a gap of five minutes before being caught. What saw Arndt seal the win was her approach towards the two intermediate sprints. The team led out Arndt for the first intermediate sprint where she managed one bonus second on offer for third place. Worrack, who started the day in second overall, only two seconds down on Arndt, did not receive any bonus seconds.The main group continued to split and regroup in the crosswinds between the first and second intermediate sprints. Arndt comprehensively won the second intermediate sprint.More than anything, it was the sand squalls that made things difficult for the riders on all three days. And Arndt was of the view that it was important to read the wind and work accordingly. “It was tough but I have been around for long enough now to know what has to be done. The team was a huge support and everything went as per plan. You have to see the direction of the wind and try to make the most. Very much happy with the showing,” added Arndt, the reigning world time trial champion.Wild, who won the first two editions of the Ladies Tour here, was also pleased with her performance in the Tour.“I didn’t stand a chance after losing out on crucial time in the second stage. However, it was great to win the final stage. “Two stage wins from three with a young side is pleasing. We will look to improve from here on,” a visibly pleased looking Wild said.