ROERMOND, The Netherlands, Aug 21, 2008 (AFP) – Belgian rider Tom Boonen, who rides for Quick Step, won the first stage of the Tour du Benelux here on Thursday.

Spain’s Jose Ivan Gutierrez, of the Caisse d’Epargne team, retained the yellow jersey after winning Wednesday’s prologue.

Boonen, 27, is the 2005 world champion. In June he was barred from the Tour de France after testing positive for cocaine.

Photo by: CorVos Pro