Olympic hero Wiggins takes early lead in Qatar event

Britain's triple Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins has the leader's jersey after winning the first stage of the Tour of Qatar, a 6km time-trial.

Wiggins, 28, riding for American team Garmin, crossed the line first in six minutes and 34 seconds, just ahead of the Netherlands' Hans Dekkers.

Garmin also topped the team standings - for the time of the fifth rider in each team to finish - ahead of Quick Step.

The second stage, a 134km race, finishes later today.

Wiggins (right) said: "As a team we've put in long hours in pre-season training and it is good to see all of that effort paying off.

"We were hoping to do well, but it is a surprise that we have managed to win the opening team time trial. It was tough, but we are pleased about the result."

Seventeen teams are taking part in the six-day race, which ends on 6 February. Wiggins claimed two track cycling gold medals in Beijing last summer having also taken individual pursuit gold in Athens in 2004.