Mark Cavendish has won the opening stage of the Second Tour Of Dubai.
The opening stage of this 2.HC race which had attracted the likes of Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas and some big names amongst the sixteen teams of eight riders, was a 145km stage from Dubai International Marine Club to Union House Flag.
Enrico Battaglin of Bardiani, Rafael Valls of Lampre, Vladimir Gusev of the Dubai cycling team, Nicholas Lefrancois of Novodisk and Allesandro Bazana of UnitedHealthCare formed the break of the day with less than ten kilometres gone but never got more than 1.50 clear.
The first one hundred kilometres were ridden at 38km/h and the speed amongst the peloton ramped up as as they caught the five escapers on a day with tailwinds with 20.5 kilometres to go and Ben Swift of Team Sky took the sprint and the three seconds with four kilometres later, ahead of Manuele Boaro and team mate Berni Eisel.
Movistar with Alejandro Valverde working hard and Etixx Quick Step went on the front in the battle to win the race and wear the Paul Smith designed leaders jersey.
On to the final lap with 8.5kms to go and Lotto Soudal had riders on the front.
UnitedHealthCare and Team Giant Alpecin with four riders came forward before the dog leg turn with 3.2kms left.
Mark Cavendish's Etixx Quick Step team were in a good position as was Team Sky with Geraint Thomas working for Ben Swift. Also on the front was Astana's Vincenzo Nibali who took a turn before pulling off.
Under the flam rouge and Eisel and Sabatini were leading their teams. Swift tried to lead out Viviani but Mark Cavendish, led out by Mark Renshaw was equal to it and Cavendish Guardini and Viviani battled it out with the British rider winning in 3.25.24 with Andrea Guardini of Astana just beating Ella Viviani for second place.
Alexander Porsev was fourth with JJ Lobato fifth, followed by Luka Mezgec, Andrea Palini, Pablo Simion, Daniel Oss and Martijn Verschoor.