DOHA, Feb 1, 2009 (AFP) – The American cycling team Garmin won the first stage of the Tour of Qatar, a 6km time-trial contested by teams here on Sunday as British Olympic gold medalist Bradley Wiggins crossed the line in first place to don the leader’s jersey.

Garmin finished in six minutes and 34 seconds, one second ahead of the Belgian team Quick Step and two seconds in front of the Russians Katusha.

The second stage, a 134km race between Khalifa Stadium and Al Khor Corniche, takes place on Monday.

Result of the first stage of the Tour of Qatar (6km team time-trial) here on Sunday:

1. Garmin (USA) 6min 34sec
2. Quick Step (BEL) at 1sec
3. Katusha (RUS) 2
4. Rabobank (NED) 4
5. Liquigas (ITA) 4
6. Columbia (USA) 5
7. Cervelo (SUI) 6
8. AG2R (FRA) 8
9. Silence (BEL) 8
10. Skil (NED) 9

Overall individual standings:
1. Bradley Wiggins (GBR) 6min 34sec
2. Hans Dekkers (NED) same time
3. Kilian Patour (FRA) same time
4. Michael Friedman (USA) same time
5. Huub Duyn (NED) same time
6. Marco Velo (ITA) at 1sec
7. Steven De Jongh (NED) at 1sec
8. Tom Boonen (BEL) at 1sec
9. Maarten Wynants (BEL) at 1sec
10. Sebastien Rosseler (BEL) at 1sec