Hitec Products excited to launch 2013 season with Ladies Tour of Qatar

The Ladies Tour of Qatar kicks off tomorrow with 15 of t’e biggest teams in women's cycling - 11 UCI teams and 4 national teams.

The four-stage desert race promises to be flat, hot, sandy and windy, and serves as the kick-off race for the race season.

Excited to showcase his revamped 2013 team is Hitec Products' team manager, Karl Lima.

"The race is a high level and high profile - everyone wants to be there," said Lima, adding that he sees the tour as a head start to build teamwork before the spring classics.

"The team for Qatar are fast and tough riders. They have a lot of experience with crosswinds and good sprinting power," he said. "We’re capable of podiums in the stages and the General Classification."

Some pressure will likely be on Elisa Longo Borghini, who’ll be coming out for her first race since winning the bronze medal at the UCI World Championships in Valkenburg last year.

"I’m really excited to race with the new team," she said. "Qatar for me is good training for the Spring races but also a nice occasion to work for my new teammates, especially Chloe [Hosking] who is our team sprinter."

Joining Borghini in Qatar are returning Hitec riders Tone Hatteland Lima, Thea Thorsen and Emilie Moberg as well as new team mates Emilia Fahlin and Chloe Hosking.

Also read:

- Ladies Tour of Qatar: What's new?

- Chloe Hosking Looking to Shine In the Coming Season