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Dubai Tour 2014: stage one – five observations

A blessing in disguise for Mark Cavendish and the forgotten man of British Cycling returns

Three flat stages to come, three sprint finishes, and Taylor Phinney in the leader’s jersey tucked safely in the bunch. We all know what to expect, right?

Well, no actually – early feedback from Dubai says crosswinds will play their part and with them already wreaking havoc on the Tour Down Under, they could yet play a key part in opening up the GC. Marcel Kittel’s Giant-Shimano team are among those with lessons to learn if the echelons start forming and he will be keen to show his team are capable of coping in such situations.

Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan profited from the crosswinds during the Tour de France, pictured, and forecasters believe the leading riders will need to be on their guard again in Dubai (pic: Sirotti)

Phinney and his BMC Racing team-mates face a similar situation however. There is much work to do for the American team if they are to keep Steve Cummings and Phinney on the podium even if the profile of the remaining three stages suggests otherwise.

Phinney’s stunning ride has given him every chance of sealing overall victory – but it is by no means over yet.

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