Boonen wins opening stage of Tour of Qatar

DOHA, Qatar (AP) - Tom Boonen of Belgium won the opening stage of the Tour of Qatar on Sunday, finishing four seconds ahead of Adam Blythe of Britain.

The former world road racing champion, racing for Omega Pharma Quick-Step, completed the 88.5-mile first stage in 3 hours, 11 minutes, 22 seconds.

BMC Racing Team's Blythe was followed by Peter Sagan of Liquigas-Cannondale, six seconds back in third. Tyler Farrar of Garmin-Barracuda was fourth.

British rider Mark Cavendish, who was sick when he arrived in Doha and didn't train on Saturday, finished 51st, 10 seconds behind Boonen. Cavendish, riding for Sky Procycling, is the world road race champion.