Cycling: Desert storm blows unlucky Cavendish off victory course

 

Alasdair Fotheringham
Wednesday 08 February 2012 20:00 EST
Comments
Mark Cavendish pictured in Qatar
Mark Cavendish pictured in Qatar (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A blustery half-gale blew away almost all hope Mark Cavendish had of claiming a first overall stage-race win here yesterday as the peloton shattered and the reigning World Champion lost nearly a minute on winner Tom Boonen.

While Boonen racked up the 20th stage win of his career and strengthened his lead in the Tour of Qatar, Cavendish finished 31st and slid from third to 11th overall. Just two stages, both unremittingly flat, remain and Boonen and his Omega Pharma-Quick Step squad are in pole position to win overall.

Yesterday strong crosswinds combined with poorly surfaced, highly exposed roads turned the race into a near lottery. One team, Rabobank, suffering eight punctures in less than a quarter of an hour.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is today expected to publish its verdict on an appeal by cycling's governing body, the UCI, to have the 1997 Tour de France winner, Jan Ullrich, investigated following evidence revealed by a Spanish anti-doping probe in 2006.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in