In the 1st stage the riders head from one side of the peninsula of Qatar to the other. The start is in Al Wakra, a town of 30.000 just south of capital Doha.
The bunch heads south to Mesaieed, the prime industrial city in Qatar, housing the main plants. Upon reaching the city limits, the riders turn right and get on the only four-lane motorway in Qatar. In broad lines zigzagging through the desert they reach Dukhan after 135.5 kilometers.
Whereas Mesaieed is important in regard to winning oil, the oil administration is centered in Dukhan. The beach is famous for surfing and the locals use it as a picnic spot.
In last year’s edition stage one finished in Dukhan Beach as well. It was a leg with a lot of wind. In the final kilometers Brent Bookwalter (photo) took off with two other escapees and the American won the race.
The stage starts at 11:10 (CET) and finishes approximately 14:20.
Tour of Qatar 2014 stage 1: Images
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