Tom Boonen chasing history at the Paris-Roubaix 2012
Tom Boonen of Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step is currently enjoying the peak of his career. The cyclist has filled his bag with as many as eight victories in the first quarter of the season.
The Belgian is now targeting the Paris-Roubaix, as the tenth biggest race of the season commences on Sunday, April 8, 2012.
He has previously won the 2005, 2008 and 2009 versions of the race and is optimistic to fill his bag with the fourth win at the event.
Paris-Roubaix is amongst the oldest cycling events with its first edition held back in 1896. Josef Fischer of Germany succeeded during the very first Paris-Roubaix.
Johan Vansummeren claimed the most recent edition of the race while Roger De Vlaeminck is the only cyclist with four overall victories at the contest in 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1977.
Boonen is now attempting to match the likes of his compatriot Roger by equalling a 35-year-old record.
He voiced, "The least important thing is to be a favourite. The only thing that matters is to get a good result on Sunday".
"Things are looking good. I've already had a lot of luck in this race although last year was in high contrast with that".
"I know this race extremely well and I simply have to be in the mix for the win. It's easier to control the race if there are three to four favourites. Having a breakaway up the road with specialists like last year is something we have to avoid at all costs".
The Belgian’s current 2012 wins include the overall victories at the Tour of Qatar, along with the point’s classifications at the race.
Boonen also claimed stages at the Tour of Qatar, the Tour de San Luis and the Paris-Nice along with a second overall place at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
The Belgian finished first at the Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders and is now targeting the Paris-Roubaix as the next big goal of his 2012 season.
Only time will tell if Tom can reach the milestone of entering the record books by registering his fourth win at the Paris-Roubaix 2012.
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