Theres major crosswinds that blow the peloton to pieces in Qatar. Last year, CSC if i remember put their whole team at the front and forced a split of the whole field with pretty much only them in contention for the win. Wouldnt be too hard on Brown for this 1st stage then.

With a little help positioning wise he could get really get some good results this seasno, or he could at the very least give Freire some decent leadouts. I hope they show a little faith. I also hope he's got his head in screwed on straight. If things arent going well for the Rabo's, and the media gets on their back, they are likely to crap themselves and just start ordering riders to attack like mad to show themselves off the front. With a rider like Brown left to fend for themselves or ride in races hes not suited. They are totally whipped by the Dutch media and past riders.