Final KM: Abu Dhabi Tour Stage 1

We’ve had racing in Dubai and Oman, now the peloton travel to Abu Dhabi for the only WorldTour desert-based gig on the calendar.

Stage 1: Madinat Zaya to Adnoc School, 189km

With long, straight roads as wide as a super tanker you just know you’re heading for a sprint train, drag race finish. Resplendent in sparkling white, Alexander Kristoff (UAE Emirates) took his second win of the season with a powerful turn of speed into a fierce headwind. The Norwegian launched off the wheel of Caleb Ewan (Mitchelton-Scott) who opened proceedings about 50m too early. A fast finishing Andrea Guardini (Bardiani-CSF) pipped the fading Ewan for second. Kristoff holds the race lead by 4secs.

Video…

Spot the missing name from this list…

Yes indeed. The blonde quiff of a certain German sprinter has not yet graced the podium in 2018

So surreal to see Marcel Kittel with no power in the sprints. Same as in Dubai. When he stands up to kick, he basically goes backwards. Early season, new team and new equipment – I know – but gotta be worrying nevertheless.

— Mikkel Condé v2.0 (@mrconde) February 21, 2018

Once again, the train was average. But Kittel didn't lose because of that, he just didn't have power in his legs. Worrying. #RideToAbuDhabi https://t.co/XZpPsHV3FS

— Mihai Cazacu (@faustocoppi60) February 21, 2018

Let’s hope Marcel Kittel finds his (Katusha-Alpecin) mojo soon, just one win would ease the pressure #fingerscrossed.

Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) was involved in a crash in the neutral zone and was forced to abandon the race. It appears the incident was caused by a problem with the automatic sensors on the race director’s car (yes, seems strange to me too!). We wish him a very speedy recovery.

🇦🇪 #AbuDhabiTour Injury Update

"@MarkCavendish sustained a concussion and a whiplash injury after his crash today. Due to the concussion, we were not willing to risk rider safety and the call was made for Mark to stop the race." – Dr. @Aid326

Details: https://t.co/W2VcOJ9U9O pic.twitter.com/oe6Xo378ym

— Team Dimension Data (@TeamDiData) February 21, 2018

Automated feature in lead car is blamed for Cavendish crash/forced withdrawal from Abu Dhabi Tour https://t.co/B4fHyLWVlH pic.twitter.com/NkMbFN4GfU

— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) February 21, 2018

Caleb Ewan claimed the Best Young Rider’s jersey, but our nomination for #YoungDude of the race goes to James Knox making his professional debut for Quick-Step Floors. Welcome to the Wolfpack James.

Ladies and gentlemen, we give you the MVP of the day, @JamesKnoxx! We've lost track of how many kilometers he spent at the front of the peloton in his first pro race 👏#RideToAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/NnvaO8T0Bs

— Quick-Step Cycling (@quickstepteam) February 21, 2018

Full race report at Cycling News

Race Website Race Twitter #RideToAbuDhabi

Header image: Alexander Kristoff – GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)