Tom Boonen won the first stage of the Circuit Franco-Belge. “I am really pleased,” said Boonen. “Today’s result confirms that after the World Championships I am still on great form and I’ll be making the most of this. There was a lot of action and nervousness during the race today and the group was also split-up into smaller sub-groups due to the strong winds. There were a few breakaway attempts during the final with our team doing a fantastic job during the final 2 kilometres. Steven, Wouter and Kevin set the ground for my sprint in an exemplary way creating and putting me in the ideal condition to win.
The big Belgian from team Quick Step beat American Tyler Farrar from Garmin-Chipotle and Belgian Champion Jurgen Roelandts of Silence-Lotto across the line at the end of the 187 kilometer stage in Mons en Pévèle.
” I’m amazed and very pleased at the power and sprint I have in my legs,” Boonen said, “proving I’m in great form something that I’ll be making the most of at the Paris-Tours that takes place on the 12th October and has become my main objective for this final part of the season.”
The Circuit Franco-Belge is a short stage race that finishes on the 5th October.