Tom Boonen is eyeing the Belgian Classics to start 2012 his Classics season
After a splendid start to his 2012 road season, Tom Boonen is now targeting the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad scheduled on Saturday.
The race will serve as an inaugural event for the classics season to replace the Omloop Het Volk and Ghent-Ghent from the previous season.
Boonen started his 2012 crusade at the Santos Tour Down Under and it is his ninth consecutive season with the Belgian side, Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step.
He has already filled his bag with three stage wins, an overall victory and a Points classification success in the young season.
The cyclist grabbed the seventh stage of the Tour de San Luis and wore the yellow jersey during the Tour of Qatar by securing the overall classifications at the race.
He also claimed the Points classifications in Qatar and helped his team with the first and the fourth stage wins at the race.
Boonen highlighted, "I've done three stage races already and this doesn't really feel like the first day at school. It's a new start for our team. Two important days are coming up and we'll see how we fare on these roads. I feel some nerves but in a positive way".
Tom will have his home turf advantage and his every move will be cheered by the fans from all across the world.
He is certain to live up to the expectations of his followers and is eager to add the Belgian classics in his winning pool.
"This race is important in Flanders. I've only returned recently to Belgium but when we're arriving in Ghent with the bus it'll be exciting; the first race in Belgium. Of course I go for the win because otherwise I'd be better doing a training camp this week," he cited.
The 31-year-old will also ride the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday, which is an ideal opportunity for those who faced disappointment at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
Philippe Gilbert of Team BMC will start his 2012 season at the Belgian classics. He has previously won the race twice and is looking ahead to make it his third win this year.
While Gilbert will be supported by Thor Hushovd during the race, Sylvain Chavanel will ride along Boonen to balance the equation for the team.
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