Andre Greipel Wins Tour of Qatar Stage 5

AFP / Yuzuru Sunada

Germany’s Andre Greipel, a narrow second to Tom Boonen on Wednesday, took Thursday’s Tour of Qatar fifth stage, a 159km ride from Al Zubara Fort to Madinat Al Shamal. The Lotto rider prevailed in a sprint finish ahead of Lithuania’s Aidis Kruopis with Dutch rider Theo Bos taking third.

Niki Tersptra, also of the Netherlands, retained his lead in the overall standings ahead of Friday’s sixth and final stage after finishing ninth behind Greipel. Barring misfortune Tersptra is poised for victory on Doha’s Corniche on Friday. He leads his Omega Pharma teammate Boonen (8th on Thursday) by 17 seconds with a 20 second advantage over Belgian Jurgen Roelandts.

“We controlled the stage today well, not taking any risks and letting the other teams work in the final section. I’m optimistic for tomorrow,” said Tersptra

Tour of Qatar Stage 5
1. Andre Greipel (GER/Lotto) 3:48:53
2. Aidis Kruopis (LIT) @ s.t.
3. Theo Bos (NED)
4. Daniele Bennati (ITA)
5. Matteo Pelucchi (ITA)
6. Jurgen Roelnadts (BEL)
7. Sam Bennett (IRL)
8. Tom Boonen (BEL)
9. Niki Terpstra (NED)
10. Elia Viviani (ITA)

General Classification After Stage 5
1. Niki Terpstra (NED/Omega Pharma) 13:08:31
2. Tom Boonen (BEL) @ :17
3. Jurgen Roelandts (BEL) @ :20
4. Ian Stannard (GBR) @ :37
5. Michael Morkov (DEN) @ :48
6. Marcel Sieberg (GER) @ :56
7. Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (BEL) @ s.t.
57, 8. Stijn Vandenbergh (BEL) @ 1:05
9. Andrew Fenn (GBR) @ 1:18
10. Andre Greipel (GER) @ 1:23