Scott Sunderland is relishing Friday's final stage at the Tour of Qatar following Team Sky's performance on Thursday.

The Senior Sports Director saw his charges go desperately close to landing the penultimate stage as Edvald Boasson Hagen narrowly failed to overhaul Quick Step's Tom Boonen.

Boasson Hagen and his teammates had worked hard at the front of the main peloton to reel in a 14-man breakaway and it so nearly paid dividends.

The performance should give them plenty of confidence going into the finale as they attempt to round off the race as they started it; with a win.

"The boys were really motivated to go out there and get amongst it today," said Sunderland.

"They did a really good job on the front and the form is coming along all the time. They are getting to know each other a lot better too and starting to work very well as a team out on the road.

"They did the job they had to do and Edvald almost had the legs to pull it off today so it was a fantastic effort," added Sunderland.

Ready to pounce

The gaps didn't quite appear for Boasson Hagen in the closing 200 metres, with Sunderland explaining: "He said to me straight away that it was tight on both his right and left so he wasn't quite able to open up but that's the way it is sometimes.

"The good thing is he's got confirmation for himself and the team that when they do the work and it goes well he can win the race. He's ready to pounce!"

Boasson Hagen's next chance comes on Friday at the end of the 123.5km stage into the Doha Corniche and Sunderland added: "Everybody is going to be up there for sure - we'll be giving it full gas and the riders are very motivated to go out there and show their colours again. We're looking forward to it.

"We've made a lot of progress, are finishing on a strong note and can then look to take that form into the Tour of Oman."