Boonen Wins Tour Of Belgium First Stage

Last updated : 28 May 2014 By Covsupport News Service

Tom Boonen of Omega Pharma Quick Step took victory on the opening stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour.

A 2.HC European Tour race started with a 172km stage from Lochristi to Buggenhout and had Vanspeybrouck, De Vreese and Demoitie who got back after suffering a puncture, with a lead of 1.18 on chasers Ongena and Van Holderbeke and 5.43 on the peloton which contained the likes of Tony Martin of Omega Pharma Quick Step, Andrei Greipel of Lotto, Philippe Gilbert and Brits Andy Fenn and Steve Cummings after 61kms.

With 36kms to go, the gap had dropped to 55 seconds before Van Hummel and Steve Cummings were involved in a crash.

The trio were finally caught with seventeen kilometres to go and Belkin, Lotto and Omega Pharma Quick Step set up the sprint which Tom Boonen won in 3.51.43 ahead of Greipel, Bos, Ahlstrand, Guardini, Napolitano, Chicchi, Van Staeyen, Weber and Steegmans.