Stage 2 gone with the wind

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Chloe Hosking was left rueing a lost opportunity as crosswinds created havoc in stage two of the Tour of Qatar.

Dutch rider Ellen Van Dijk used the conditions superbly on the way to winning the stage and taking the race lead. Her Boels Dolmans teammate, British star Lizzie Armitstead, was third as German Trixi Worrack (Velocio-SRAM) split them in the sprint finish.

Hosking was in the front group of six, but baulked with the finish line in sight. “I gambled a bit too long then missed the jump,” she said.