Mark Cavendish wins Dubai opener by 1cm in thrilling finish

The Etixx-QuickStep rider held off Andrea Guardini (Astana) and Elia Viviani (Sky) in the closest of finishes, with a photo determining that the Manxman had won by just 1cm.

It was Cavendish's second victory of the year, following his stage win in Argentina's Tour de San Luis last month.

A group consisting of Rafael Valls (Lampre-Merida), Enrico Battaglin (Bardiani-CSF), Alessandro Bazzana (UnitedHealthcare), Nicolas Lefrancois (Novo Nordisk) and Vladimir Gusev (Skydive Dubai) broke away early on, but never built more than a 90-second lead before being caught with 20km left.

And Etixx-QuickStep kept in charge of the race, the team delivering Cavendish who stepped up his pace 300m from the finish and powered home first.

1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) Etixx - Quick-Step 3:25:00

2. Andrea Guardini (Ita) Astana Pro Team

3. Elia Viviani (Ita) Team Sky

4. Alexander Porsev (Rus) Team Katusha

5. Juan Jose Lobato (Spa) Movistar Team

6. Luka Mezgec (Slo) Team Giant-Alpecin

7. Andrea Palini (Ita) Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling

8. Paolo Simion (Ita) Bardiani CSF

9. Daniel Oss (Ita) BMC Racing Team

10. Martijn Verschoor (Ned) Team Novo Nordisk