Loddo takes stage as Boonen leads

DOHA, Qatar — Italy’s Alberto Loddo denied Tom Boonen a third victory in this year’s Tour of Qatar to claim the fourth stage from the Khalifa Stadium to Al Khor.

Once again it was down the sprinters at the end of the 131.5 kilometer leg and Loddo came off Boonen’s wheel to edge ahead at the line.

Sebastian Siedler of Germany took third with Belgian Boonen, who rides for the Quick Step team, keeping hold of the leader’s yellow jersey.

I knew exactly what to do on the approach to the finishing line and Steven De Jongh led me exactly where I needed to be with 50m to go but the wind slowed me down and Alberto (Loddo) made the most of it, said Boonen.

Loddo, from the Russian Tinkoff team, was delighted with his win.

I must thank my team-mates who did their best so that I could get behind the wheel of Boonen during the last few hundred meter. And I waited for the right time to attack.

It was satisfying to have this victory so early in the season for my new team.

Former world champion Boonen has made the early season race in Qatar his own in recent years and has racked up 13 stage wins in the Gulf state.

Dutchman De Jongh is 18 seconds adrift of Boonen in the overall standings. E-mail to a friend

Loddo takes stage as Boonen leads – found here.