Belgium's Boonen wins Gent-Wevelgem cycling classic

AFP, April, 2004

WEVELGEM, Belgium (AFP) — Belgium's Tom Boonen of the Quick Step team won the Gent-Wevelgem cycling classic in a sprint finish.

Boonen was fastest of 25 riders in the dash for the line after 208 kilometres of a race made difficult by cold and heavy rain.

Boonen finished several lengths ahead of Sweden's Magnus Backstedt and Jaan Kirsipuu of Estonia. American George Hincapie was fourth with France's Jimmy Casper fifth.

The race hotted up after the first of two ascents of Mont Kemmel with about 60 kilometres to go when the leading group took shape.

Seven Quick Step riders were at the front and Boonen, twice delayed by punctures, made the most of his teammates' help over the closing stages.

The 23-year-old Boonen, who made his mark in the 2002...