Elia Viviani beats Mark Cavendish to stage two in Dubai

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.

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 - "

7. Daniele Ratto (Ita) UnitedHealthcare - "

8. Daniel Oss (Ita) BMC Racing - "

9. Michael Valgren (Den) Tinkoff-Saxo - "

10. Nicola Ruffoni (Ita) Bardiano-CSF - "

1. Mark Cavendish (GB) Etixx – Quick-Step

2. Elia Viviani (Ita) Team Sky, +2"

3. Andrea Guardini (Ita) Astana, +6"