Tour of Dubai – Double win for Cavendish

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Second stage win for Mark Cavendish in Tour of Dubai on Stage 4 plus the Overall and the Paul Smith winners jersey

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Tour of Dubai – Double win for Cavendish

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Etixx – Quick-Step’s Mark Cavendish performed perfectly on the final stage in the Dubai Tour and there was a double reward waiting at the finish line after great teamwork and an outstanding leadout.

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At the start of 128km Stage 4, Mark Cavendish was four seconds behind the leader of the GC, John Degenkolb (Giant Alpecin) thanks to a packed finish on a steep Hatta Dam finale in Stage 3. This small time difference was key, as a victory would mean also mean the top step of the overall podium.

A group of five riders animated the final stage, but were caught in the final 10 kilometers. Carlos Verona and Petr Vakoc were crucial workers in the chase on the five leaders.

In the preparation for the final sprint Cavendish had five Etixx – Quick-Step teammates in front of him. Etixx – Quick-Step took over the lead in the second-to-last kilometre and brought Cavendish into great position for the sprint.

Cavendish did what he said he wanted to do after Stage 3, finish the job of his teammates and wrap up Dubai Tour with the stage win, which also resulted in taking home the Paul Smith designed Blue Jersey as the 2015 overall victor.

Cavendish also took home the Red (points) jersey. “I didn’t really have to do much, the team did everything,” Cavendish said. “We were really motivated today. It was a tough breakaway, but Etixx – Quick-Step did a great job controlling it with the help of Giant Alpecin. Then the leadout was absolutely phenomenal”.

“It was so fast there was a gap before I started to sprint. I looked and I saw the gap, and I went a little bit early so I could keep the gap and it all worked out perfectly. This was a win by Etixx – Quick-Step today. The guys were fantastic.”

“That was really something special. I’m so proud of them and proud to get the Blue jersey at the end as well. I’m really happy. This is my 3rd stage win, and Gianni Meersman also won a race down in Australia, so we’re looking forward to another successful year for Etixx – Quick-Step. I’m also super thrilled that this is the 3rd GC victory of my career”.

“Here at Dubai Tour it’s not exactly a sprinter’s race, but it can favor people who can sprint. I know for sure last year I wasn’t looking for the GC. This year I came here in good form. It wasn’t really something I was expecting, but with the way the guys have been working all week it was something special to finish off with the GC win. This also shows I am on target for my next goals in the racing calendar. It’s super encouraging for what’s next, for me as well as my teammates who I want to thank for everything they did at Dubai Tour.”

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