February 6/12 9:41 am - Tour of Qata: Stage 2

Posted by Editoress on 02/6/12
 

Team Garmin clocked the fastest time of the day's team time trial staged by the Lusail moto GP circuit. But with only a 7'' lead over Omega Pharma Quick Step, Tyler Farrar just manages to close in on the time of Tom Boonen. The Belgian keeps the Golden overall leader's jersey. The battle promises to be fantastic between the American and Belgian sprinters.

In perfect conditions and despite some wind sweeping across the 11.3km course set by the Lusail Moto circuit, the battle between the strong teams of the Tour of Qatar would be tight. Hard to tell indeed which one of the best formations would clock the most impressive time.

At the half way mark (km 5.6), it was looking good for Garmin who set a time of 6'19 before eventually reaching the finish in 12'38. That performance was never to be beaten although Omega Parma – Quick-Step and their leader Tom Boonen were level at the intermediate time check. The American squad eventually beat their Belgian rivals by 7" while SKY finished third, 9" adrift.

Despite having the exact same time as race leader Tom Boonen, Tyler Farrar has to settle for second overall, due to the Belgian's better position yesterday when he claimed his 19th stage success. The 31-year-old also keeps his points' Silver jersey while Navardauskas (GRM) becomes the best young rider of the Tour.

Courtesy Tour of Qatar