Intro:

Etixx-QuickStep rider Mark Cavendish just edged out Andrea Guardini to win a spring finish at the end of the opening stage of the Dubai Tour on Wednesday.

Script:

The opening stage of the Dubai Tour was a 145 kilometre circuit from Dubai International Marine Club to Union House Flag.

Early in the stage, a group of riders broke away, however their lead was never allowed to stretch too far beyond 90 seconds by the peloton, who reeled them in with around 20km to go.

The pace continued to rise as the field charged for home - with Mark Cavendish emerging from the pack.

The Etixx-Quick Step rider made his move early, sprinting for the line with 300 metres to go.

Astana's Andrea Guardini was making ground as the finish came into sight, but the Briton just had enough for victory.

SOUNDBITE: (English), Mark Cavendish:
"I made a mistake - I did it once in Argentina - I made the mistake of leaving it too late and I got jumped on. So I know I've got the form to go - ideally, I wanted to go late, it was a cross headwind there. I felt (Ben) Swift go on my left. I knew I could pass Swift, but it was whoever came with him would go with more speed, so I had to then. I could see the shadows of people coming and dying, coming and dying. I just held on to the line. Guardini came fast at me but I am very happy with that sprint actually."

Guardini took second with fellow Italian Elia Viviani taking third.