Team Sky's luck runs out on day two in Qatar

TEAM Sky's Kurt-Asle Arvesen withdrew from the Tour of Qatar with a broken collarbone on a luckless second day for the British team.

LUCKLESS: Team Sky's Kurt-Asle Arvesen breaks his collarbone for the second time in two seasons as Team Sky's luck wears thin in Qatar (Getty Images)

Spirits were high amongst Team Sky cyclists for the second stage after they won the opening stage time trial and handed 2009 Tour of Britain winner Edvald Boasson-Hagen the yellow jersey.

But disaster struck for Norwegian road race champion Arvesen, who was making his debut alongside Bradley Wiggins in Qatar, as the riders prepared to start the 147km stage from Camel Race Track to the Qatar Foundation in Doha.

The 34-year old let another rider pass him but lost control of his bike and crashed, repeating the injury which forced him out of last year's Tour de France.

"It was really an absurd kind of accident because it happened before the race proper had started," said Arvesen.

"We were getting ready to start racing when I let a guy go past me, but it got a bit narrow and I lost control of the bike and crashed.

"The only good thing about this is that it is on the other side and hopefully the healing process will be as smooth as last time.

"It is really unfortunate to break your collarbone at any time but especially now as I was just getting ready to start my year."

Meanwhile, a rear wheel puncture with 40km remaining cost Boasson-Hagen the yellow jersey as he lost track on the chasing group, ultimately finishing 9.43 minutes back in 61st.

Instead Belgium's Geert Steurs and Dutchman Wouter Mol took the plaudits in Qatar, breaking away from the peloton early and maintaining their lead to the finish.

Topsport Vlaanderen rider Steurs crossed the line to take the stage win while Vaconsoleil's Mol inherited the yellow jersey and nine second lead over the Belgian.

Ian Stannard was Team Sky's best finisher in 27th while Wiggins, who came fourth in last year's Tour, finished 11.10 mins back in 112nd.

Great Britain's Roger Hammond, riding for Cervelo Test Team, crossed the line in sixth as part of the first chasing pack.