After winning yesterday’s third stage in the Franco-Belge, Beglian Champion Tom Boonen (Quickstep) announced that he would be racing Paris-Tours to cap off his season.
Boonen provided some insight into yesterday’s stage, marked by ferocious winds that shredded the peloton into pieces. “We set a fast tempo and forced the peloton into single file. Especially the strong winds made it a hard day. In the finale we rode away with nine riders, three from Rabobank. In the end the peloton came dangerously close so we had to put everything to stay out of their grasp. In sprint I could easily beat Roger Hammond.”
“I managed to recharge my batteries for the Franco-Belge. After the last stage there is only one more race for me left this year and that is Paris-Tours. After that I will relax after a long hard season” Boonen told Het Nieuwsblad.
Paris-Tours will take place on the 11th of October, a week from today. Last year’s winner Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) will be looking to do the double.