Australian cyclist Mark Renshaw won the Tour of Qatar for his first career road title yesterday.

Renshaw claimed the yellow jersey from countryman Heinrich Haussler by winning Thursday’s fourth stage then shadowed Haussler to the end of the final 126.5-kilometre stage from Sealine Beach Resort into Doha city.

Despite Renshaw placing 17th and Haussler 9th, they were credited with the same time as stage winner Andrea Guardini of Italy.

In the end, Renshaw clocked 15 hours, 31 minutes, 4 seconds to win by eight seconds from Haussler, and 17 seconds ahead of third-placed Daniele Bennati of Italy.

“I didn’t think I would win here. I didn’t think that this week would be like this,” the HTC-Highroad rider said. “A lot less wind on the last two days so that was good for me.

“This is my first win in general classification so I am obviously very proud of my week in Qatar. On the road, this is my biggest achievement for sure. I have been lucky enough to represent Australia in the track at the Olympic Games, but on the road this is the best success I have had.”

Haussler led Garmin-Cervelo to the team title but was disappointed to finish second overall after winning the second and third stages.

Three-time winner Tom Boonen of Quick Step, winner of the first stage, was involved in a multi-rider crash before the start but got up to catch the peloton.