Boonen Claims Belgian Road Title
AYWAILLE, Belgium, June 28, 2009 (AFP) – Quick Step rider Tom Boonen became Belgian road cycling champion here on Sunday after defeating Philippe Gilbert and Kristoff Goddart in a sprint finish.
It was the 28-year-old’s first senior national title in his home country, after he was named under-23 road champion in 2001.
On an undulating course that did not appear to suit him, Boonen overpowered pre-race favourite Gilbert in the race’s closing stages to clinch his fifth victory of the year.
“Philippe was the best today,” said Boonen.
“I didn’t have his legs but I raced with my head. I’m especially happy for my team-mates, who did a fantastic job.”
Boonen has been banned from racing in this year’s Tour de France by organizers the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) after testing positive for cocaine in an out-of-competition drug test in April.
Quick Step have appealed ASO’s decision and a court will announce its verdict on the appeal on Tuesday.
“Before thinking about the Tour, I want to savor my victory on Sunday,”
Boonen added. “We’ll see what happens on Tuesday.”
File Photo by: CorVos Pro
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