PARIS, Jan 21, 2009 (AFP) - The Gulf state of Qatar will launch a women’s Tour event next month, bringing together 15 teams, including six national squads, and 90 riders.The Ladies Tour of Qatar will run between February 8-10, following on from the Men’s Tour which runs from February 1-6.
Although 90 riders from 14 countries on five continents will gather for the three-stage race, there will be no local riders competing.
“A place for the women,” said Sheikh Khalid Bin Ali Abdulla al-Thani, head of the Qatari cycling federation.
“We hope to gradually develop women’s sport in Qatar,” Sheikh Khalid said, adding that the holding of the Tour event would be a “real boost” for women’s sport in the Muslim state.
Ladies Tour of Qatar teamsNuremberg (GER), Columbia (GER), Lotto (BEL), Giant (CHN), Flexpoint (NED), Leontien (NED), Selle Italia (ITA), Bigia (SUI), Cervelo (SUI); Australia, France, Italy, Japan, South Africa, United States
