Intro:

British rider Sir Bradley Wiggins finishes 81st in the first stage of the Tour of Qatar, as Movistar rider Jose Joaquin Rojas sees of Tom Boonen to win.

Script:

Sir Bradley Wiggins was among the riders who lined up at the start of the Tour of Qatar. He led one of 18 teams who took part in the first stage in Doha, a 136 kilometre ride from Dukhan to Sealine beach.

Greg van Avermaet was the first to attack but riding alone into a headwind he was soon caught by the peloton. The next attack came with 30 kilometres to go, Lars Boom, Lieuwe Westra and Matti Breschel were 47 seconds in front at one stage but they too were reeled in.

With just 300 metres to go, the race came alive and Movistar rider Jose Joaquin Rojas saw off four-time winner here Tom Boonen. Wiggins was nowhere in sight, he'll hope to improve on his 81st place finish when they go again on Monday.