Boonen powers to record win

ROUBAIX, France – Agence France-Presse

Boonen is cheered by supporters as he rides on a cobblestoned section.

Tom Boonen’s remarkable run of form continued yesterday as he became only the second rider to win the Paris-Roubaix classic for a fourth time here. 

The 31-year-old Belgian star made his break with 55 kilometers of the famous race remaining, and left his rivals trailing in his wake as he crossed the line 1min 39sec ahead of Frenchman Sebastien Turgot.
Italy’s Alessandro Ballan was edged into third place.

Having already won at Roubaix’s famous velodrome in 2005, 2008 and 2009, Boonen’s latest triumph sees him equal the record for the most victories in the Queen of the Classics, held by his compatriot Roger de Vlaeminck, a four-time winner in the 1970s.

Boonen also becomes the first man to do the double of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix twice, having also achieved the feat in 2005.