A flat, sprint stage can become tedious to the spectator as the inevitable bunch sprint finish pans out before them. Out goes a break, it builds an advantage, the bunch drops the hammer, the escapees sit-up, a few counter-attacks fail and the fast men go wheel-to-wheel in the final kilometre. However, after the frantic pace, the echelons and the general windy mayhem of the Tour of Qatar so far, it was actually almost comforting to return to ‘normal service’ on stage five.

Omega Pharma-Quickstep’s clever management of the bunch, to keep the escapees at a safe distance in front without bringing the race back together, showcased once again their mastery of this race and deservedly sees them in pole position for a third straight overall win. And with Andre Greipel undoubtedly stung by his narrow defeat on stage four, to see his sprint train deliver the goods once again was again a joy to behold. It is great when the unexpected happens – just ask Jan Bakelants after his Corsican heroics last year – but there is also plenty to enjoy when everythning goes to plan too.