With the dominance of Omega Pharma-Quickstep, the efforts of Team Sky in Qatar may have slipped under the radar a little, but they will certainly be happy with their week’s work. A strong time trial by Ian Stannard, and fourth place overall, gives the Brit a solid base from which to continue his fine 2013 efforts, while Bernie Eisel ensured his legs got another ‘testing’ with third in the sprint.
Though immediate attention will now switch to Chris Froome’s defence of the Tour of Oman, and Richie Porte’s continued preparations for the Giro d’Italia when he tackles the Ruta del Sol. The Classics are on the horizon, where Sky will have a point to prove. Eisel’s top ten finishes in Qatar mark him out – as already discussed – as a dark horse for the spring. A major one-day victory is the most notable absence from Team Sky’s short but successful history – a good week’s work in Qatar will raise some hopes that could change this year.
