Armitstead crashes out of Tour of Qatar

Lizzie Armitstead Cervelo

British starlet Lizzie Armitstead has crashed out of the ladies Tour of Qatar in today's 103-kilometre opening stage.

The 21-year-old was forced to withdraw from her first race in Cervélo Test Team colours after coming down in one of several crashes caused by strong desert winds on the route between Doha and Al Khor Corniche.

In an unfortunate coincidence, her crash comes within hours of teammate and compatriot Dan Lloyd's fall at the Etoile de Bessèges.

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