Mark Cavendish (Open in new tab) (Quick Step-Alfa Vinyl) took his first win of the 2022 season on stage 2 (Open in new tab) of the Tour of Oman (Open in new tab).

The Manxman told the media, including Cycling News, at the Tour of Oman that he had only been on his bike for six weeks before starting the race. His winter was interrupted first by a major crash in the Ghent Six that left him hospitalized with a collapsed lung and broken ribs, and then by an armed robbery at his parents' home.

"Considering I've only been on the bike for six weeks, yesterday gave me confidence," Cavendish said.

"I felt really good yesterday, so I was confident that I could go from a distance. I had to hit with 300 meters to go because I was a little too far back there. It was close yesterday, so I'm happy to win."

This stage, which follows 167.5km of coastal road along the Gulf of Oman, was marked as a day that could be affected by strong winds blowing from the east. However, in the last kilometer, the wind became more of a gentle breeze than a gale, and the peloton's split was not in jeopardy.

Cavendish was the first to be able to make it to the finish, as this 167.5 km stage was mostly flat with no climbs.

Antonio Angulo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Steven Clancy (Novo Nordisk) dutifully gained distance in a breakaway group, but were hardly rewarded as the sprint teams Quick Step and Bike Exchange took them to the finish. The sprint teams Quick Step and Bike Exchange took it all the way to the finish and were hardly rewarded.

"The stage was easy for everyone," explained Cavendish.

"I think everyone knew it was going to be a group sprint. There was the threat of crosswinds, but we were calm."

"Yes, the leadout--which was actually an inexperienced group--was pretty good, and I can't complain about anything. Of course, if it had been a more experienced team, we would have been a lot calmer. Iljo did a great job in the last kilometer, and I'm very happy with the way he rode.

"It's always nice to get your first win.

"It's nice to compete again.