British cyclist Mark Cavendish fell "quite heavily" in the penultimate fifth stage of the Tour of Oman Monday but came away from the crash with relatively minor injuries.
The Briton, 36, who is competing in his first race since suffering serious injuries in another crash in November, got back on his bike shortly after the fall and finished the stage to remain in contention for the green points jersey.
Czech rider Jan Hirt won the stage for Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert Materiaux on Monday, taking the overall lead from Cavendish's Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team mate Fausto Masnada.
"As is normal with the chaos of echelons forming, I had a touch of wheels and unfortunately I came down quite heavily," Cavendish said.
"I'm lucky that my injuries seem to not be too bad, and I was able to get on my bike with just some bruising and external abrasions.
"I hope that the other riders involved are also OK and I would also like to thank the race doctor for looking after me."
Cavendish suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung following a crash in the Six Days of Ghent track meeting in November. In the same month, he was assaulted by four armed men during a burglary at his home.
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Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team sprinter Mark Cavendish wins the second stage of the Oman Tour between Naseem Park and Suhar Corniche, on February 11, 2022. All photos: AFP -
The bunch sprint approaches the finish line on stage two of the Oman Tour between Naseem Park and Sohar Corniche. -
The peloton during the first stage of the 2022 cycling Tour of Oman between Al-Rustaq Fort and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. -
A scenic view of the peloton during the first stage of the Tour of Oman. -
Oman national team riders before the start of the first stage of the 2022 cycling Tour of Oman. -
The peloton stretches out on the stage between Al-Rustaq Fort and Muscat. -
The pack rides during the first stage of the 2022 cycling Tour of Oman between aL-Rustaq Fort to Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. -
Riders pass Al Sahwa clock tower in Muscat during the Tour of Oman. -
UAE Team Emirates' Fernando Gaviria, right, is congratulated by Oliviero Troia after winning the 138km first stage of the tour. -
Fernando Gaviria storms to victory in a sprint finish to the first stage of the Tour of Oman, narrowly pipping top sprinter Mark Cavendish.
