Dimension Data's Mark Cavendish has said that he was delighted to have got his first win of 2016.
The Manxman took the victory on the opening stage of the Tour Of Qatar and said to his team's press office: "We’ve probably got the best race director in the world for this race in Roger Hammond. We had a lot of confidence for today after last night’s team meeting.
"The split went pretty soon in the beginning and I was always looked after from the start. Jay Thomson always kept me there at the front in the beginning ready to go and when the group split Youcef Reguigui did a big turn to get me there, and then we had three in the front so that was okay.
"Obviously we had me there for the sprint and we wanted Edvald there for the overall. So we were content with having the 3 there. It was a long day and a hard one.
"Unfortunately, Tyler punctured and he used too much energy to get back to me for the sprint but he was incredible in helping to keep the group away. Edvald just stayed with me in the final and I wanted Kristoff’s wheel because they had the numbers so we knew they’d do the leadout and Edvald just sweeped, he was there in case I needed him.
"I launched from Kristoff with about 200m to go, the road turned right so I hugged the right side and I knew no one would come round me then.
"It was great that Edvald (Boasson-Hagen) was there as for sure he will be in contention after the time trial on Wednesday.
"In all, it was a super strong performance by all the guys and I am really happy to get the first win of the year."
Source: DSG
