Australia's Caleb Ewan (Orica-Scott) was hospitalised after crashing as Britain's Mark Cavendish won the opening stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour.
The Dimension Data rider beat German Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) and Italy's Niccolo Bonifazio (Bahrein Merida) after a perfect lead-out from his teammates at the end of a 189-km flat ride.
German Marcel Kittel (Quick Step Floors) and Ewan rode their bikes to the finish line with bruises after crashing with one kilometre remaining, ruling them out of the final sprint.
Ewan was sent to a hospital for checks after hurting his shoulder, his team said.
"The boys were in a good position and we were set for a great final," said Orica Scott sports director Dave McPartland.
"It looks like Caleb took a good hit to his shoulder. It doesn't appear to be too bad but he will go to the hospital to double-check things."
Mark Renshaw was the best-placed Australian at 17th, 10 seconds behind Cavendish.
The second stage of the four-day race will take the peloton on a 153-km ride, with sprinters again set to take centre stage.
The overall result is expected to be decided in Saturday's third stage with Tour de France runner-up Romain Bardet, of France, Italians Vincenzo Nibali and Fabio Aru, Spain's Alberto Contador and Colombian Nairo Quintana expected to shine in the mountains.
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