ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Britain's Mark Cavendish won the opening stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour, outsprinting his rivals to snatch the overall lead in a crash-marred climax on Thursday. German Marcel Kittel (Quick Step Floors) and Australian Caleb Ewan (Orica Scott) both crashed with one kilometre to go and could not contest the final sprint. Ewan was sent to a hospital for checks after hurting his shoulder, his team said. "The boys were in a good position and we were set for a great final,” said Orica Scott sports director Dave McPartland. The overall result is expected to be decided in Saturday's third stage with Tour de France runner-up Romain Bardet, of France, Italians Vincenzo Nibali and Fabio Aru, Spain's Alberto Contador and Colombian Nairo Quintana expected to shine in the mountains.

Source: The Star February 23, 2017 17:56 UTC