Boonen wins Belgian title

Eurosport - Mon, 29 Jun 09:00:00 2009

Quick Step rider Tom Boonen became Belgian road cycling champion after defeating Philippe Gilbert and Kristoff Goddart in a sprint finish.

CYCLING Belgium's Tom Boonen of the Quick Step. - 0

It was the 28-year-old's first senior national title in his home country, after he was named U23 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."

AFP

Comment 1 - 5 of 5

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  1. Great job Tom !

    From hn, on Mon 29 Jun 12:50PM

  2. Good man Tom, now stay off the coke an win that green­­ jersey THIS year

    From Bill N, on Mon 29 Jun 12:28PM

  3. Was there a " white line finish " no wonder­ he was first to it! Hope he is banned from Tour. He is­ a bad role model to kids.

    From p.lacy818, on Mon 29 Jun 12:25PM

  4. Enhorabuena, Tom. Dejas de estar tonto! Cicla sucio y­ bien! Soy 'Aficianado'

    From Norrie Batchelor, on Sun 28 Jun 11:52PM

  5. Good man Tom, now stay off the coke an win that green­ jersey next year

    From Michael M, on Sun 28 Jun 10:04PM
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