Qatar Daily News

The Gulf state of Qatar will launch a women’s tour next month, bringing together 15 teams, including six national squads, and 90 riders.

The women’s Tour of Qatar will run February 8-10, following 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.

“We hope to gradually develop women’s sport in Qatar,” said Sheikh Khalid Bin Ali Abdulla al-Thani, head of the Qatari cycling federation.

Women’s Tour of Qatar teams: Nuremberg (G), Columbia (G), Lotto (B), Giant (Chn), Flexpoint (Ned), Leontien (Ned), Selle Italia (I), Bigia (Swi), Cervélo (Swi); Australia, France, Italy, Japan, South Africa, United States.