Tom Boonen takes its game

October 3, 2009

VNR

Third stage of Franco Belge Saturday Antoing linking to Ichtegem for a journey of 178km. The weather is stormy with a special guest: the wind blows really hard. The yellow jersey Tyler Farrar seems casual to start, despite the difficult stage that awaits him and his teammates who have given so much in the beginning of trial.

From the first kilometers, while the pace of the pack is very fast, borders are created at the front and rear. Many units are quickly distanced as this group of seven riders among which we find Valeriy Dmitriyev, Roossens Francis, Christopher James D'Amelio, Gerard Hophra Nicky Cocquyt, and Boris Dron Damien Timmermans will be disqualified at Km 60, they accused already nearly 11 minutes late.

Up front, while a first attempt of 13 units with Belgian champion Tom Boonen has already taken place, it's up to four riders to take the lead: Steven De Jongh, Klaas Lodewyck Rick Flens and Olivier Kaisen. At Km 98, the four fugitives have 2'42 on the bulk of the pack while behind a group of 38 is pointed at 7'45 ". The effects of wind are felt.

Note that in such conditions, many falls are deplorable, including that of Tyler Farrar yellow jersey but it does seem harmless, unlike the young Tanel Kangert who fractured his wrist after a fall at the end of a round point. Dropouts are legion, we note that Jeremy Hunt, Thomas Frei Kris Boeckmans or Vladimir Efimkin.

At km 141, the four escapees were caught by the peloton and the last group is 15 'of leaders. The pace is really fast in the final circuit, however, very twisty with many islands and directional. A group of six riders nevertheless manages to get out of the bunch: Juan Antonio Flecha, Tom Stamsnijder, Frédéric Guesdon, Assan Bazayev, Roger Hammond and yellow jersey himself Tyler Farar. They are taken by a trio party cons including Tom Boonen, Mathew Hayman and Stefan van Dijk.

At 8 km from the finish, the leading men continue to widen the gap stands at 28 ", this will be enough to play to win. Several skirmishes take place in the last 3 kilometers, including those of Farrar and Flecha. Frederic Guesdon then tries to go under the red flame, but will be resumed to make way for a sprint to 9. In this game, Tom Boonen showed he still has a good speed. The cap on the second line Roger Hammond Tyler Farrar third and which retains its leadership despite a tunic really hectic stage. It will undoubtedly leave its mark before the last day of racing tomorrow, between Mons and Tournai.

Vincent Geldof