Team Dimension Data’s Mark Cavendish took third place in the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Tour opener today.
Team Dimension Data’s Mark Cavendish took third place in the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Tour opener today. Photo: Stiehl Photography
Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek-Segafredo) was the rider to take the main spoils as he sprinted to the victory ahead of John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin).
The opening 147km stage comprised an out-and-back route in Madinat Zayed and the flat nature of the course through the desert meant the sprinters decided the stage.
Four early attackers kept the peloton honest and ensured the stage was paced at a high speed.
Team Dimension Data spent the day controlling the peloton, with Jay Thomson and Mekseb Debesay tapping out the rhythm for the day.
With 15km to go, Youcef Reguigui added some fresh firepower to the chase, which ensured the break was caught with 7km left. It was left to Bernie Eisel and Mark Renshaw to deliver Cavendish to the line.
Eisel put in a strong ride to keep Renshaw and Cavendish at the head until the 2km mark as the jostling for positions took place behind the African team.
When Eisel pulled off, Renshaw and Cavendish had to surf from train to train before Renshaw could make a move up the right.
Nizzolo took the wheel of the Australian as Cavendish followed the Italian.
Once Nizzolo jumped with 200m to go the line came quickly and Cavendish was not able to come around to challenge for the top spot, instead having to settle for third.
