AYWAILLE, Belgium (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 organisers the Amaury Sport Organisation (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 savour my victory on Sunday," Boonen added. "We'll see what happens on Tuesday."