British sprint king Mark Cavendish earned his first win of the year by claiming victory in the third stage of the Dubai Tour on Thursday.
The 32-year-old former world champion edged out France’s Nacer Bouhanni and German powerhouse Marcel Kittel at the end of the 180km stage from Dubai to Fujairah.
Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen, winner of Tuesday’s opening stage, kept hold of the leader’s blue jersey.
Friday’s fourth stage is a 172km ride from Dubai to Hatta Dam.
Results: 1. Mark Cavendish (GB/DOD) 3hr 53min 46sec, 2. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA/CDF) same time, 3. Marcel Kittel (GER/TKA) s.t., 4. Adam Blythe (GB/ABS) s.t., 5. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA/TBM) s.t.
Overall standing: 1. Dylan Groenewegen (NED/TLJ) 12hr 19min 36sec, 2. Elia Viviani (ITA/QST) at 2sec, 3. Mark Cavendish (GB/DOD) 6, 4. Nathan Van Hooydonk (BEL/BMC) 9, 5. Magnus Cort Nielsen (DAN/AST 10