Omega Pharma-Quickstep made their ambitions for Dubai clear from the off, both in their team selection and in their pre-race briefings.

They were here to compete on all fronts, rack up the stage victories and take home the overall prize. Well, it has not worked out quite that way, with Tony Martin beaten into fourth on his return to competition following surgery on his wrist in the winter.

However, for team-mate Mark Cavendish it should prove a blessing in disguise. The Manxman can now count on the backing of his entire team for the remaining three stages, with no reason to also ride in support of the race leader.

With Mark Renshaw and Alessandro Petacchi already forming what could be one of the most illustrious lead-outs ever, should Omega Pharma-Quickstep play their cards right, they will take some beating over the next three days.