Elia Viviani beat Mark Cavendish to claim victory in stage two of the race in Dubai – but Cavendish clung on to the overall lead in the race.
The Team Sky rider did a superb job holding off the Manxman to claim his first ever victory in his new team colours.
Cavendish had a good lead out from his Etixx-QuickStep team, but Vivani – who joined Sky in the winter as their key specialist sprinter – simply powered clear of the British rider and over the line.
His win in the opening stage means that Cavendish retains the leader’s jersey thanks to his bonus seconds, with a two-second advantage over Viviani.
Astana’s Andrea Guardini was third on the day and drops to third overall, six seconds down.
RESULTS
1. Elia Viviani (Ita) Team Sky, 4:29:59
2. Mark Cavendish (GB) Etixx-QuickStep – Same time
3. Andrea Guardini (Ita) Astana – ”
4. Alexander Porsev (Rus) Katusha – ”
5. Andrea Palini (Ita) Skydive Dubai – ”
6. John Degenkolb (Ger) Giant-Alpecin – “
