Tom Boonen of team Quick Step won the 213 kilometer 4th stage of Benelux from Terneuzen (Nl) to Ardooie (Bel). Boonen beat Kevin Van Hummel (Skil-Shimano) and Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Columbia) in a stage that included the Kwaremont, Kluisberg and Tiegemberg climbs from the Tour of Flanders.
The race centered on a 14-man break that was reeled in at around 8 kilometers from the finish. “The team did a fantastic job today,” Boonen said, “during the final even Rosseler surpassed himself. I am really pleased with these past 5 days at the Eneco Tour. I’m right on target”.
Boonen will be leaving the Eneco Tour this evening. “I’ll be taking a few days of rest before I fly off to the Vuelta.” a motivated Boonen commented. “I am really looking forward to the Spanish race, I want to do well and I’m sure I’ll prove this in a few stages.”
Boonen explained his end of season objectives: “This year I want to make the most of the great condition and athletic freshness I’m in trying to win a few of the important end of season races such as the Paris Tours, a race that I really like but unfortunately so far I have never really been very competitive at and then naturally the Varese World Championships. In my opinion the Varese World Championships route isn’t any harder than Madrid 2005. I am confident in being able to ride a great and important race.”
After the Belgian was prevented him from starting the Tour de France last month he will be looking to repay his team for their support with some big victories.