Tom Boonen aims for a record fifth Paris-Roubaix victory
Tom Boonen hopes to go one better than Roger De Vlaeminck and become the first rider to win five editions of Paris-Roubaix

Belgium's Tom Boonen races for his place in the record books today, to become the first rider to win the Paris-Roubaix for a fifth time.
"I already have four, it's not like a fifth win changes that much for me," Boonen said. "But it's one of the last really big goals of my career."
The Belgian from Flanders currently holds he record with another Flemish rider, Roger De Vlaeminck. De Vlaeminck took his wins in 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1977, the time when Eddy Merckx and Francesco Moser also fought for their wins.
The Queen of the Classics, which began in 1896 with Josef Fischer's win, counts many records but not a five-time winner. 33-year-old Boonen could change that this afternoon when the dust settles in Roubaix velodrome.
The team Omega Pharma rider races his 12th time as a professional. In 2002, as a neo-professional, he already showed he was made for the job. US Postal leader George Hincapie crashed and team helper Boonen went ahead to claim third in the velodrome. Except last year, he returned every year. In 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2012, he took home the winner’s cobble trophy.
"Of course, if you win four times, the next thing is a fifth," Boonen continued. "I can't say I don't want to win Paris-Roubaix anymore, I've won four already so I'm going for five. If I was going for four, it'd be the same motivation. Like I said before, it'd make everything more special. It's already special already, but it'd make everything go to the next level."
To get to that level, Boonen has to cover 257 kilometres and 28 sectors of cobbles. He also must take on the race favourite and three-time winner, Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara.
Cancellara won the Tour of Flanders last week and could set his own record if he wins Roubaix today. He would become the first rider to win the Flanders/Roubaix double three times.
Boonen has struggled to rebound after his partner Lore’s miscarriage. He missed Milan-San Remo and lagged slightly behind in the past races. The Tour of Flanders last week, however, showed that he is approaching his best.
"The last few weeks didn't go as I had planned but I still had good preparation beforehand. I felt myself improving in the last three races," Boonen said. "Pressure? I'll take the start and hopefully turn into automatic mode again. When I feel cobblestones under my wheels, yeah, I always good fast."
The talkative and friendly Belgian, shrugged off the possibility of failure and said that he has time to reach five. "If I have success, then good," he said, "if not I'll try again next year."
Sky keeping options open for Paris-Roubaix
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
-
MADE Bike Show outgrows original venue; opens ticket sales
A new handmade bike show is coming to Portland, Oregon, this fall with 200+ builders and brands from the globe over displaying their goods.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
From doubts to a first pro win: Mikkel Bjerg takes stage four and yellow jersey at Critérium du Dauphiné
Jonas Vingegaard most impressive of general classification contenders on hot day in the Loire
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Seven tech insights spotted at Paris-Roubaix 2023
From tyre pressure systems to old-school chainrings, here's what Cycling Weekly saw at the race
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers rider runs half marathon after finishing Paris-Roubaix
Cameron Wurf is a triathlete, so it's unfair really. He is not the first cyclist to dabble with trainers, however
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tweets of the week: Cobbles, barbecues, and what on earth is curry ketchup?
Strap in for our pre-Paris-Roubaix round-up of social media's finest
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Why goats are helping ready Paris-Roubaix's cobbles for spring
Cared for by a local charity, a herd of goats are enjoying their new duties in the Forest of Arenberg
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Tom Boonen considers a return to racing: 'I'm considering looking for some competition on the bike again'
After a nearly six-year break from professional cycling, the competitive cycling itch is starting to prickle again for Classics legend Tom Boonen.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Winner Dylan van Baarle shares impressive Strava data from fastest-ever Paris-Roubaix
The Dutchman covered the 257.2km route in 5-37-00, winning with a powerful solo attack 19km from the finish line
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Is the Paris-Roubaix tubular dead? Why tubeless tyres are winning on the cobbles
The unique challenges of the Hell of the North place much emphasis on wheel selection. We talk to two teams and two wheel manufacturers about solving the problem that is Roubaix
By Luke Friend • Last updated
-
Filippo Ganna to be given opportunities at Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix this year
Italian rouleur says he wants to prove he is more than "just" a time triallist and track specialist
By Adam Becket • Published