Just moments after commentators mentioned how well Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team has jelled early this season during Tour of Qatar coverage, Tom Boonen, who worked at the front with his teammates within the final 8 km, won the bunch sprint on Sunday's stage 1. The flat, 142.5 km course from Barzan Towers to Doha Golf Club was suspected to end in a sprint finish, with mild weather and nothing but tailwind and a slight crosswind at times.
The peloton reeled back the day's only attacker —Adam Hansen of Lotto-Belisol — shortly after the second sprint point location.
Boonen took off up the left side slightly after 600 meters to go, and nobody was able to catch him. Still, he threw his bike across the finish line to ensure his stage win.
Adam Blythe (BMC Racing Team) and Peter Sagan (Liquigas) finished second and third, respectively.
Video provided by Eurosport
