A superb show of strength helped Tom Boonen complete a hat-trick of wins at the Paris-Roubaix cycling classic on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Belgian, who won in 2005 and last year, became the eighth rider to achieve the feat in the 107 editions of the Queen of the Classics after eclipsing his rivals in the 259-km race featuring 52.9 km of punishing cobbled sectors.
In the finale, his challengers crashed, suffered punctures or lost ground as they tried to keep up with the former world champion.
Before Boonen, other Belgian cycling greats such as Eddy Merckx, Rik van Looy, Roger de Vlaeminck and Johan Museeuw had also bagged three victories on Paris-Roubaix.
Italy’s Filippo Pozzato was second 47 seconds behind with Norway’s Thor Hushovd coming home third 30 seconds further back.
“With all the crashes today, it was very hard, it took time for the last break to take shape,†Quick Step rider Boonen told reporters… Details
“In these tough economic times, there’s more reason than ever to help those in need and give back to the causes that touch your heart. For me this is the Los Angeles Mission. For over 10 years my team and I have donated thousands of shoes to the homeless on Skid Row and this year will be no different. Not only because the need will be greater, but because it is this small contribution that can make a difference in someone’s life.â€
– etnies owner and skateboarder for life, Pierre André Senizergues  etnies web site