2006 Tour of Qatar: Tom Boonen (Image credit: AFP)
Tuesday, ASO announced that the sixth edition of the Tour of Qatar will be held from the January 28 to February 2, 2007. The race offers favourable weather conditions, which is why numerous riders have chosen Qatar to start off their seasons.
For 2007, 17 teams have been selected to take part in the Middle-East's biggest event. Among the three Belgian teams that will be in the main pack, Quick-Step hasn't yet confirmed if their leader and 2006 winner Tom Boonen would be competing. A winner of five of the six stages in 2006, he will possibly have to face fierce opposition to carry his domination in Doha. While Alessandro Petacchi, who is among his toughest rivals when it comes to sprints, has planned to test out his legs on the roads of Qatar.
The 17 teams selected: Belgium: Chocolade Jacques-Topsport Vlaanderen, Davitamon-Lotto, Quick-Step Spain: Astaná, Saunier Duval-Prodir France: Ag2R Prévoyance, Bouygues Telecom Germany: Gerolsteiner, T-Mobile Iran: National team Ireland: Murphy and Gun-M Donnelly – Sean Kelly Team Italy: Liquigas, Milram Kazakhstan: Cycling Team Capec Netherlands: Rabobank, Skil-Shimano Qatar: Doha Team
