Andy Fenn in Omega Pharma-Quickstep 'A-team' at the Tour of Qatar
Andy Fenn playing his part in the Omega Pharma-Quickstep powerhouse at the Tour of Qatar

Andy Fenn is riding with giants at the Tour of Qatar.
The 6’1” British rouleur, remarkably, is the second smallest rider on his Omega Pharma-Quickstep team at the race, with only iljo Keisse (6’0”) to look down to.
Around him for the duration of the six day race this week are Tom Boonen (6’4”), Gert Steegmans (6’3”), Nicolas Maes (6’3”), Niki Terpstra (6’2”) and Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (6’4”).
Looming above them all like a new skyscraper on the Doha skyline is Stijn Vandenbergh (6’7”).
As one Belgian newspaper journalist put it: we don’t have Giant-Shimano at this race, we have a giant Omega Pharma-Quickstep.
“It’s a bit different from racing the Tour of Catalunya isn’t it!?” Fenn joked at the start of the first stage of the race in Al Wakra.
“They are all big strong guys; you can see why they like the crosswinds and the powerful stuff. At least they give a lot of shelter, that’s a bonus.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The Belgian squad’s manager Patrick Lefevere told Cycling Weekly he has sent ‘more or less’ his 'Classics A team' to Qatar, with Niki Terpstra taking the race lead after winning from a successful breakaway on stage one.
For 23 year-old Fenn, who started his third season in the pro ranks at the Tour Down Under, a strong performance with the big boys could keep him in the frame for a spot at the Spring Classics this season.
"I’ve got to show well, do what the team asks of me," he said. "If they think I can do something in one of the Classics then they’ll put me in [the squad].
“The Classics are a big thing for this team and there is a big group of riders that all want to do them,” he added. “You have to fight for your place.
"I feel like I’ve stepped up this season, and I feel pretty good at the moment and that will show more in the Belgian races."
Related links
Andy Fenn aiming for spot in Classics
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Richard Abraham is an award-winning writer, based in New Zealand. He has reported from major sporting events including the Tour de France and Olympic Games, and is also a part-time travel guide who has delivered luxury cycle tours and events across Europe. In 2019 he was awarded Writer of the Year at the PPA Awards.
-
Damaged rim caused Kern Pharma rider's freak tyre blowout, says team
Hookless rim concerns dismissed in Marc Brustenga's crash
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Wout van Aert reunited with lost watch, Bradley Wiggins catches some rays, and one cyclist opts for chain mail
There are mementos to be found at bike races, as long as it's not Wout van Aert's Garmin
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl release 2022 kit from new partners Castelli
The Italian clothing brand will make the Belgian team's kit until at least 2024
By Adam Becket Published
-
Patrick Lefevere says Vuelta a España suits Evenepoel but doesn't want him given favourite status
The young Belgian abandoned the Giro d'Italia in 2021 after 18 stages
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Mauri Vansevenant and Rémi Cavagna recovering after car hit them at training camp
The French road race champion suffered a fractured L1 vertebrae with the Belgian breaking his thumb
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-