In a hectic month for pro cycling’s elite – with several races going across the globe as teams bid to get into shape ahead of the WorldTour’s return in March – it can be a difficult managing act for team bosses to keep a personal eye on all their riders. Patrick Lefevere will be no different, but he certainly appears to have made the correct decision having turned out in Qatar to support his Omega Pharma-Quickstep troops.

The Belgian has enjoyed an OPQS masterclass in the desert, from Niki Terpstra’s opening stage win – helped by Tom Boonen’s masterful control of the bunch – to the Belgian’s two stage wins, and the ongoing spectacle of five riders inside the overall top ten. Despite some big investment in the winter, the season did not start with the bang some OPQS fans may have expected. But after their outstanding performances in front of the prying eyes of their general manager, it is no wonder Lefevere is returning from Qatar a happy man.

Happy to go Home. I liked what I saw. The team is ready #opqs but I gonna miss the sun. 24 degrees already