Tom Boonen 'back to best' in 2014
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Tom Boonen says that he's back to his best after a solid winter of training - and wants to repeat his 2012 standout year after the disappointment of last season.
Speaking at Omega Pharma-QuickStep's final training camp in Calpe, Spain, Boonen said: "I've already had a lot of time on the bike since I started in September, so I also had a long winter but it was good for my condition.
"But that doesn't take away that I haven't raced since July, so I want to start racing again and see where I am in a race situation. It's always different in a race than during training so I want to start racing as soon as possible. As for training, it's gone very good."
Like team-mates Mark Cavendish and Alessandro Petacchi, Boonen will commence his season at the Tour de San Luis in Argentina from January 20.
"I'm very happy at the moment and can't wait to start my season at Tour de San Luis, a race that brought me luck in 2012 and opened one of my best seasons. However my focus for the first part of the season is on the Spring Classics. Everybody knows what those races mean to me and how I feel about them. I will do my best to be in top condition for those races and once the Classics are done I will then consider the second part of my season."
In 2012, Boonen won Paris-Roubaix for the fourth time, the Tour of Flanders for the third time, Ghent-Wevelgem and E3 Harelbeke in an utterly dominant display of Spring Classics riding. Last year, though, he came away empty handed after starting the year in hospital with a serious infection in his elbow. His woes continued when a fractured rib sustained in the Tour of Flanders ruled him out of Paris-Roubaix. Omega Pharma-QuickStep ended the Spring Classics without a victory.
"Tom Boonen will be back and I have a feeling he is on the right track to return to his previous level," said team boss Patrick Lefevre. "Tom will also find a group of motivated and strong riders for these kinds of races, for example Zdenek Stybar and Niki Terpstra."
Related links
Cavendish super-excited about home Tour de France start
Thank you for reading 5 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
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
'I sweated and tried not to barf up my sandwich': a first look at Wahoo's new Sports Science Center
We spent a day at Wahoo's recently opened drool-worthy sports science haven getting to know our bodies better
By Kristin Jenny • Published
-
'A big weight off my shoulders' — Jake Stewart takes 'emotional' first win
British rider breaks through with stage one victory at the Tour de l'Ain
By Adam Becket • 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 • Published
-
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
-
Vincenzo Nibali to tackle Paris-Roubaix for first time in 2022
Italian is down to race all five monuments in 2022 for Astana-Qazaqstan
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Watch: Incredible on-bike highlights from eventful Paris-Roubaix
An alternative perspective on the astonishing race
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Patrick Lefevere’s son in court accused of flying helicopter over Paris-Roubaix without permission
The son of Deceuninck – Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere has appeared in court after being accused of flying a helicopter over Paris-Roubaix without permission.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-