Andre Greipel wins stage five at Tour of Qatar

GERMANY’S Andre Greipel won the Tour of Qatar fifth stage, a 159km ride from Al Zubara Fort to Madinat Al Shamal.

Andre Greipel wins the fifth stage at the Tour of Qatar.

GERMANY’S Andre Greipel, a narrow second to Tom Boonen on Wednesday, won the Tour of Qatar fifth stage, a 159km ride from Al Zubara Fort to Madinat Al Shamal.

The Lotto rider prevailed in a sprint finish ahead of Lithuania's Aidis Kruopis with Dutch rider Theo Bos taking third. Niki Tersptra, also of the Netherlands, retained his lead in the overall standings ahead of the sixth and final stage.

Barring misfortune Tersptra is poised for victory on Doha's Corniche on Friday’s stage.

He leads his Omega Pharma teammate Boonen by 17 seconds with a 20 second advantage over Belgian Jurgen Roelandts.

“We controlled the stage today well, not taking any risks and letting the other teams work in the final section. I'm optimistic for tomorrow,” Tersptra said.