Dutchman Lars Boom forced four-time world time trial champion into second with victory in the Tour of Qatar’s opening prologue, while Team Sky’s Alex Dowsett registered an impressive fifth place finish on his professional debut.

Rabobank rider Boom, a former cyclo-cross world champion, clocked 3:07.39 minutes on the 2.5km course, with Leopard Trek’s Cancellara four seconds back and Skil-Shimano’s Tom Veelers a further second adrift.  

Race rules meant riders had to use regular road machines, rather than time trial bikes, but the windy and cobbled Doha circuit, with 11 corners, ranked bike handling alongside raw speed. 

Team Sky’s Juan Antonio finished fourth despite being forced to ride over two barriers which fell ahead of him.

And European under-23 time trial champion and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Dowsett’s ride earnt the Brit the young rider’s jersey.

Mark Cavendish’s tough start to the season continued, with the HTC-Highroad rider hitting the deck close to the finish and subsequently finishing last. 

Top 10

1. Lars Boom (NED) Rabobank in 3:07.39 minutes
2. Fabian Cancellara (SWI -Leopard-Trek) +4 seconds
3. Tom Veelers (NED – Skil-Shimano) +5
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4. Juan Antonio Flecha (SPA – Team Sky) +5
5. Alex Dowsett (GBR – Team Sky) +6
6. Gert Steegmans (BEL – Quick Step) +6
7. Tom Boonen (BEL – Quick Step) +6
8. Maarten Wynants (BEL – Rabobank) +8
9. Tomas Vaitkus (LIT – Astana) +8
10. Matt Brammeier (IRL – HTC-Highroad) +9