Boonen wins Qatar sprint

The Belgian champion from Quick Step had too much speed for Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo) and Baden Cooke (Saxo Bank) at the end of the 136.5km stage from Dukhan to Mesaieed.

Steven Van Vooren (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) and Gatis Smukulis (Ag2R-La Mondiale) launched an attack during the stage but crosswinds were less of a factor than on stage two and Vacansoleil were able to control the overall race lead of Wouter Mol.

The Dutchman continues to hold a nine-second lead over Geert Steurs (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) after their breakaway on stage two with Boonen moving up to third, 1:55 back.

Gerald Ciolek crashed heavily during the finish and broke his collarbone. "Gerald will be flown to Germany as quickly as possible," explained Milram's Ralf Grabsh. "The collarbone fracture was diagnosed here by two doctors. The doctors in Germany will determine how complicated the fracture is and whether surgery is necessary.“

Garmin-Transitions' Steven Cozza did not take the start of the third stage after breaking his collarbone during the second stage when he hit a pot hole in the road.

Stage 4 - Wednesday 11.45am LIVE on British Eurosport 2 (Sky 411 / Virgin 525) and Eurosport Player.

Stage 5 - Thursday LIVE on British Eurosport 2 (Sky 411 / Virgin 525) and Eurosport Player.

Stage 6 - Friday 12pm LIVE on British Eurosport 2 (Sky 411 / Virgin 525) and Eurosport Player.