Etixx - Quick-Step rider Tom Boonen finished 2nd in the Abu Dhabi Tour opening stage on Thursday, which was shortened to roughly 160km as the local circuit was cut from the stage.
Andrea Guardini (Astana) won the sprint, and Boonen crossed ahead of Daniele Bennati (Tinkoff-Saxo). The peloton made a late catch of solo attacker Francisco Mancebo (Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team - Al Ahli Club), who maintained a two minute advantage over the field inside 15km to go. The peloton drastically upped the tempo, bringing the race back together in time for the Madinat Zayed arrival.
Etixx - Quick-Step looks next to 130km Abu Dhabi Tour Stage two on Friday.
