Although still quite some way away, those looking for hints as to the make-up of the 2016 World Championships will certainly have left the Qatari capital with plenty to ponder. Doha will host the battle for the rainbow jersey, and despite a pan-flat course the evidence of this stage suggests there could be plenty to enjoy. Crosswinds were minimal on this occasion, but they have wreaked havoc on the earlier stages and the circuitous finale certainly opens up the race to attacks and counter-attacks should the opportunity arise.

The course is yet to be confirmed, and it will be hoped the open expanse of desert roads surrounding the capital will be included to spice things up a little in 2016. But former world champion Mark Cavendish has won in Doha before, while Arnaud Demare will have taken heart from his sprint finish on stage six. A break could well go clear, but if the finishing circuit is anything like this one then the national squads need to start oiling those sprint trains – a mad bunch kick for the rainbow stripes awaits.