Cycling: Cavendish takes Qatar third stage

Mark Cavendish claims the contested finish on the 143-kilometre stage between Al Wakra and Mesaieed.

MESAIEED: British sprint king Mark Cavendish won the third stage of the Tour of Qatar yesterday, claiming the contested finish on the 143-kilometre stage between Al Wakra and Mesaieed.

The 2011 world road race champion fended off competition from Dutchman Markus Barry and Lithuania’s Addis Kruopis for his second victory since joining Omega Pharma-Quick Step from Team Sky in the close-season.

American Brent Bookwalter, winner of the race’s opening stage, preserved his overall six-second lead ahead of compatriot Taylor Phinney.

Cavendish, boosted by a 13-second time bonus after also taking the day’s first intermediate sprint, climbed to fourth in the general classification, eight seconds behind Bookwalter, and just one behind fellow Briton Adam Blythe.

Today’s 160-kilometre fourth stage will take the cyclists from the Camel Race Track to Al Khor Corniche.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.