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Dimension Data’s Boasson Hagen wins Tour of Qatar time trial, assumes lead

Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) roared to his first time trial victory since the 2010 Tour of Oman in Wednesday's third day of the Tour of Qatar.

February 10, 2016
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Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) roared to his first time trial victory since the 2010 Tour of Oman in Wednesday’s third day of the Tour of Qatar. The chrono triumph allowed him to leap over his teammate Mark Cavendish (Great Britain) to snag the race lead. Canadian Hugo Houle tied his best result of the season, placing 13th, something he also achieved in January’s GP Marseillaise.

The 11-km route in Lusail was an out-and-back with six corners, one turnaround and headwinds in the opening half. The cyclists went with conventional bikes and set ups.

Jesse Sergent (New Zealand/AG2R) was an early reference point at 14:24, as was Lieuwe Westra (The Netherlands/Astana) with 14:09. But Edvald Boasson Hagen’s 13:26 looked indomitable. Jos Van Emden (The Netherlands/Lotto-Jumbo) was closest to reaching the Norwegian’s high-mark, 25-seconds back.

An important battle happened a little lower in the day’s GC table with race leader Mark Cavendish posting 14:10 and Stage 2 winner Alexander Kristoff rolling the course in 14:24. With two sprinters’ stages left, it looks likely that the GC win will come from either of the Dimension Data men, as they are one-two at the top of the table.

Houle bounces up the GC to 70th.

2016 Tour of Qatar Stage 3
1) Edvald Boasson Hagen (Norway/Dimension Data) 13:26
2) Jos Van Emden (The Netherlands/Lotto-Jumbo) +0:25
3) Manuel Quinziato (Italy/BMC) +0:29
13) Hugo Houle (Canada/AG2R) +0:57

2016 Tour of Qatar GC
1) Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) 6:53:35
2) Mark Cavendish (Great Britain/Dimension Data) +0:26
3) Manuel Quinziato (Italy/BMC) +0:32
70) Hugo Houle (Canada/AG2R) +12:53