Having won the 2012 and 2013 editions of the event, the Belgium based Etixx-QuickStep were aiming to regain the men’s title, having lost out of BMC Racing in the past two years.

Boasting the three-time individual world time trial champion Tony Martin and fellow German Marcel Kittel, their six-man team were viewed as one of the favourites heading into the race.

After a strong ride on the technical 40 kilometre course, Etixx-QuickStep crossed the line in a time of 42 min and 32 sec.

Their effort proved enough to deny BMC Racing a third straight crown, with the American registered team finishing 12 seconds off the pace.

Orica-Bikeexchange, whose time would end up 37 seconds down on the winners, pipped Team Sky to take the final podium spot.

“It’s a really emotional victory for me,” said Martin, who will ride for Katusha next year.

“It’s a dream that came true.

“It was the perfect final for me, the perfect moment to leave the team with a fantastic memory.”

Evelyn Stevens, who would retire at the conclusion of the women’s team time trial, departed on a high after being a member of the victorious Boels Dolmans.

The American was part of their six rider selection, which also contained current women’s road world champion Lizzie Deignan of Britain.

A dominant performance saw Boels Dolmans finish 48 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals, the defending champions Canyon-SRAM, having triumphed in 48:42.

Cervelo-Bigla secured the bronze medal, after they finished in a time of 50:38.

Racing will continue tomorrow in Doha with the junior women and the men’s under-23 individual time trials, which will both held over 28.9km.