Belgium's Tom Boonen, riding for Omega Pharma-Quick Step, retained the race leader's gold jersey after Thursday's fifth and penultimate stage of the Tour of Qatar won by Briton Mark Cavendish. Sky rider Cavendish won a sprint from Italy's Daniel Oss and Slovakian Peter Sagan at the end of the 160km ride from Camel Race Track to Al Khor. Boonen pedaled home in 13th spot to retain his overall lead going into Friday's final stage, a 120km ride from Sealine Beach Resort to Doha.
Tour of Qatar Stage 5
1. Mark Cavendish (GBR) 3:30:40
2. Daniel Oss (ITA) @ s.t.
3. Peter Sagan (SVQ)
4. John Dengenkolb (GER)
5. Rudiger Selig (GER)
6. Allan Davis (AUS)
7. Arnaud Demare (FRA)
8. Andrea Guardini (ITA)
9. Denis Galimzyanov (RUS)
10. Gregory Henderson (NZL)
General Classification After Stage 5
1. Tom Boonen (BEL) 13:21:30
2. Tyler Farrar (USA) @ :31s
3. Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP) @ :34
4. Gert Steegmans (BEL) @ :36
5. Bernhard Eisel (AUT) @ :45
6. Tom Veelers (NED) @ 1:00
7. Mark Cavendish (GBR) @ 1:05
8. Fabian Cancellara (SUI) @ 1:06
9. Ramunas Navardauska (LIT) @ 1:09
10. Aidis Kruopis (LIT) @ 1:10