Maarten Tjallingii from the Chinese-registered Marco Polo Cycling Team has had an excellent start to the season in the Tour of Qatar. The 27-year old Dutchman with little experience in professional stage races proved to be one of the strongest riders in the star-studded race, finishing fifth behind three CSC riders and Tom Boonen.
"A dream that comes true," said Tjalllingii. "In the second stage I went in the long break, like I planned before leaving for Qatar. This was after my teammate Kenji Leung did a great solo on stage 1, so the Marco Polo team spirit was high. After that stage I was suddenly high up in GC and I wanted to defend my spot. When CSC broke up the field in stage 3, I had no problems getting in that echelon (17 riders broke away, all known top-riders and Tjallingii). I had to jump a few times, but made every break. Too bad I missed the seven guys that broke away in the final. In the fourth stage I was alright and kept a bit more quiet."
