Mark Cavendish holds two second lead ahead of final stage of Tour of Qatar

The 2013 winner had slipped behind Dimension Data team-mate Edvald Boasson Hagen on Wednesday’s third stage, but the Norwegian punctured 8km from the end of the 189km fourth stage to drop to fifth, 19 seconds off the lead.

Fellow Norwegian Alexander Kristoff won Thursday’s stage, climbing to fourth, some nine seconds off Cavandish’s lead.

Intermediate and finish-line time bonuses are available on the final stage, and with Cavendish holding such a slender lead, such bonuses could play a part in the overall outcome.