The International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race began in dramatic fashion, with a crash in the neutralised zone.

Britain's Mark Cavendish was among the riders caught up in the incident, which ultimately led to the Dimension Data rider being forced to abandon the race due to concussion.

The crash appeared to have been caused by an official race car suddenly braking.

Several attacks were launched during the 189 kilometre stage, which started and finished in Madinat Zayed.

Sprinting teams remained in control, however, with the expected dash to the line ultimately unfolding.

Australia's Caleb Ewan appeared on course to claim the stage victory, but the Mitchelton-Scott rider was passed in the closing metres by Kristoff and Bardiani CSF's Andrea Guardini.

Kristoff ultimately claimed the win in front of Italy's Guardini in a time of 4 hours, 48min and 24sec, with the World Championship silver medallist toasting his second victory as a UAE Team Emirates rider in their home race.

"Normally, a race like today with tailwind and headwind but very few crosswinds, it's not easy for me to beat all the pure sprinters but the slightly uphill end suited me," said Kristoff.

"I got to the front after I lost my lead-out man, Roberto Ferrari.

"Even if Caleb Ewan is low on his bike and offers no draft, I managed to pass him, I was happy to do so and I was relieved when I crossed the line first.

"I'm delighted to ride with the red jersey tomorrow.

"I'll have another two chances for a bunch sprint finish but the general classification is more important for the team.

"However, the time trial makes it more difficult for us to win the Abu Dhabi Tour this year but we'll try."

Racing will continue tomorrow with another sprint stage as riders travel 154km to Yas Beach.

A third consecutive sprinter friendly route will follow, before a 12.6km individual time trial on the penultimate day of racing.

The race, expanded by one day this year, will conclude on Sunday (February 25), with a climb up Jabel Hafeet.