Mark Cavendish retains overall lead in Tour of Qatar

Cavendish (left) was beaten by Kristoff - who moves second in the general classification - in a sprint finish

Britain's Mark Cavendish retained the overall lead in the Tour of Qatar despite missing out in a sprint finish on stage two.

The 2013 winner, who won Monday's opening stage, avoided a crash in the peloton but was beaten to the line by Norway's Alexander Kristoff.

Cavendish, riding for Team Dimension Data, takes a five-second lead into day three of the five-day race.

The second stage was a test event for October's World Championships in Doha.

"At the end of the day I was happy with how it went," said Cavendish.

"On that finish I can't be too disappointed losing to Kristoff, he is strong on that type of finish. I am happy to keep the jersey."