Stage 1:

The opening stage of the Tour of Qatar was a team time trial. 

The Slipstream-Chipotle team made an impressive debut on the world stage, clocking a time of 6:37 over the 6 km course, but it was the Belgian powerhouse Quick-Step that took the day, finishing 2 seconds ahead of the upstart American squad.

Tom Boonen was just part of the steam train today, letting teammate Matteo Tossato lead the group.

Stage 2:

Stage 2 of the TOQ was a 137.5 kilometre stage from Al Zubarah to Doha Golf Club. Today’s race was said to be the second fastest stage ever at the TOQ, running at 55.5 km/h.

Team Quick Step made the decision to go out and take the stage, so they pushed the pace right from the start.

Tom Boonen ended taking the second sprint, as well as the final sprint. He ended the day a nine seconds ahead of his team-mate Steven de Jongh, and was up five more on Van Avarmaet (Silence-Lotto).

Stage:

1 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step                                     2.28.37 (55.5 km/h)
2 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) Silence - Lotto                              �
3 Danilo Napolitano (Ita) Lampre                                        

G.C.

1 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step                                     2.34.59
2 Steven De Jongh (Ned) Quick Step                                   0.09
3 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) Silence - Lotto                            0.14
4 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream p/b Chipotle                   0.15
5 Wilfried Cretskens (Bel) Quick Step                                0.20