Tom Boonen deliberately missed this year’s Tour de France edition to focus exclusively on preparations towards the World Championships held in Ponferrada, as the road race’s course suits classics specialists just as much as punchy climbers. The 33-year old Belgian kicks off his build-up at the Eneco Tour this week, where he would target stage victories after not racing for more than a month.
“I’m looking forward to starting a race again because I haven’t raced competitively since the national championships,” Boonen told Sporza. “But mostly, I need to be ready for the Vuelta [a España] and the world championships.
Boonen wants to use the WorldTour event held in the Benelux to pick up a racing speed and inaugurate his preparations towards World Championships, but doesn’t rule out fighting for stage victories always praised by Omega Pharma-Quick Step team, and apparently red-circled Friday’s stage over the Muur and Bosberg to Geraardsbergen.
“I’ll try to go for stage wins at the Eneco Tour,” he said. “It’s important to get back to a good feeling quickly. I’ll see how I feel after the first two or three days.”
With his fellow classics specialists, particularly BMC duo of Greg Van Avermaet and Philippe Gilbert, showing signs of an increasing disposition, Belgium should be able to play many cards in the road race held in Ponferrada this year. Boonen does not fear any internal rivalry for a leadership in the national team, claiming that it will turn out as an obvious consequence of their physical condition.
“Leadership is not something you should ask for, it should come naturally with your results,” Boonen said. “But I am especially motivated because I missed out on two world championships in recent years [Geelong and Copenhagen in 2010 and 2011 – ed.] where I had a real chance.”
The 33-year old Belgian also acknowledged that this year’s road race route, less selective than the one used last season in Florence, offers possibilities for different type of riders to shine and so he expects a stiff rivalry until the very last lap.
“Many types of riders can be good on the course this year,” Boonen said. “It will be about surviving and waiting for the final lap, as has been the case in recent years. For me, it’s ideal if I can get to the finish in a select group, but I must be strong enough.”
30.03: The Bueng Si Fai |
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30.03: Volta Limburg Classic |
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