2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep photos
- By VeloNews.com
- Published Feb. 6, 2011
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
The two tents are crowded with riders, bikes, mechanics and gear for a six-day event. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Cavendish chats with a team official before heading out to ride the course. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
A close-up of Cavendish's Di2 sprinter shifter. The Manxman appears to be the only rider in the race with the shifters. Note that time trial bikes are not allowed at Qatar, in a move to reduce team travel costs. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
The two paint marks show different saddle heights Cavendish has experimented with since team camp. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Tom Boonen's Eddy Merckx EMX-7 has the number 1 plate. Boonen is a three-time overall Qatar winner and has won 17 stages. Last year's winner, Wouter Mol (Vacansoleil), is not here. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Boonen's seatstay, Campagnolo Bora Ultra Two wheel and Vittoria Corsa Evo SC tire. It appears more of the teams are going back to natural colored, rather than black, tire sidewalls this season. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Quick Step's mechanics' front and rear dropouts, tied together with spokes, for adjusting spare wheel quick releases. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
No luxuries here as the Quick Step team readies for a warm-up ride. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Boonen heads out for a pre-race ride. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Garmin-Cervelo's Jack Bobridge, fresh off setting a world record in the 4k pursuit, would seem to be a favorite for the win Sunday. But he said the course was too technical for his liking. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Leopard Trek's Fabian Cancellara is another prologue favorite. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Cancellara's bike was the only one on the team with Bontrager Buzz Kill handlebar plugs, which are claimed to reduce high frequency vibrations in the bar. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
The classy Mercedes logo on the Leopard Trek team bikes. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
A little bit of Wisconsin craftsmanship way out here in Qatar. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
The partially teal saddle rails are another nice touch on the Leopard Trek bikes. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Cancellara heads out for a warm-up ride. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Lars Boom's Rabobank Giant. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Most of the Rabobank team bikes' saddles are marked with pen to aid in reproducing the riders' preferred positions. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Rabobank's Dura-Ace C50 wheels, with Vittoria Corsa Evo SC tires, with some tape around the valve stem to eliminate rattling. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Astana's Specialized bikes are set up with low-profile carbon wheels from Corima, with VeloFlex tubulars. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
Team support vehicles at Qatar are Mitsubishi compact pickups with the bikes mounted vertically in the bed. The rear stands are padded to protect the frames of the bikes mounted to the front. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
A Quick Step mechanic mounts bikes in the team truck. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
2011 Tour of Qatar prologue prep
These trucks were used to bring many of the team bikes from the airport to the hotels before the race. Photo: Steve Frothingham
DOHA, Qatar (VN) — The tenth edition of the Tour of Qatar was set to get under way Sunday afternoon with a 2.5km prologue at Doha’s Cultural Village, a new civic area. The technical course features some (relatively smooth) cobbles and about a dozen turns. As of early Sunday, gusty winds were building that promised to make the short race even more technical. Riders will use regular road bikes; time trial bikes are not allowed, in a move to reduce team travel costs.
The race’s 17 teams have set up shop for the week in two tents in the parking area of Doha’s Ritz Carlton, the host hotel. With no team vans or RVs, the tents serve as bike assembly and equipment storage areas and rider gathering spots.
On Sunday morning, Steve Frothingham hung out in the tents as mechanics finished bike assemblies and riders gathered before riding several miles to the prologue area.
FILED UNDER: Gallery / Road TAGS: Tour of Qatar
