Renshaw conquers Qatar

NSWIS cyclist Mark Renshaw achieved one of the top moments of his career over the weekend by taking honours in the 2011 Tour of Qatar, outlasting fellow Australian Heinrich Haussler in a great road cycling battle.

Although Renshaw only secured one stage win during the five stage, 711km tour, his consistency in finishing in the top three on three occasions led to the eight second victory. 

Renshaw took the lead after the fourth stage, however he still had to ensure that he did not finish worse than third if Haussler claimed the final stage. That scenario was not to be as Haussler finished ninth, allowing Renshaw to cruise into 17th position on the stage and take the overall victory.

The tour provided a change of pace for Renshaw, who usually competes as the lead out rider for Mark Cavendish. Cavendish’s tour was marred by a crash during the prologue stage, giving Renshaw the opportunity to chase the winner’s gold jersey.

The NSWIS Cycling Program is proudly supported by Bankstown Sports.