Tom Boonen did what he does best at the Eneco Tour stage one, with a solid sprint victory ahead of Italian fast man Danile Bennati. Boonen will feel a strong sense of relief as he hopes to put his cocaine positive behind him. The big Belgian is gearing up for the Vuelta Espana, and for the approaching world championships in Varese, Italy.
Boonen is a likable rider. He's personable, fairly humble, and dedicated to his team. He always wants to win, but is gracious in defeat, and seems to take each race as seriously as if each were a classic. He has wisely stayed out of the limelight in recent weeks, as he waited for the cocaine affair to simmer down.
Now, "Tornado Tom" seems to be about where he was before his positive test. He will always have the unconditional admiration of his Belgian fans, but the rest of cycling should also be willing to let bygones be bygones. Boonen has obviously learned his lesson, and seems the wiser from the ordeal.
Boonen will be up against some serious competition at the world's, and will need a bit of luck to prevail in the race for the rainbow jersey. He'll have excellent support from both Stijn Devolder and Phillipe Gilbert, but may find that either of those riders are in with a better chance than he is. It won't matter if he doesn't win though, as Boonen's mere presence adds a tangible spice to any race he rides in.
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