Belgian Tom Boonen of team Omega Pharma – Quick Step (L) crosses the finish line before, Spanish Oscar Freire of Team Katusha (L, front) and Austrian Bernhard Eisel of Sky Professional Cycling Team (C, second row) during the one day cycling race E3 Prijs Vlaanderen Harelbeke. Boonen won the fifth E3 Harelbeke title of his career.
HARELBEKE, Belgium - Home favourite Tom Boonen won the fifth E3 Harelbeke title of his career here on Friday, the first since a four-year winning streak came to an end in 2007.
The day’s ride cost Briton David Millar a fractured left shoulder blade after the Garmin rider fell at the 70km marker.
“When hitting his shoulder David realised straight away that it was broken. X-rays confirmed the fracture, and he’ll have more tests on Saturday in Ghent,” said Garmin’s sporting director Geert Van Bondt.
Boonen, who rides for the Omega Pharma team, saw off Spain’s Oscar Freire and Bernhard Eisel of Austria in a sprint finish.
The 31-year-old Belgian, the winner in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, succeeds Fabian Cancellara, who won the last two editions.
On Friday, the Swiss rider suffered mechanical problems as well as a fall.
Philippe Gilbert, the world number one in 2011, pulled out of the race 50km from the finish.
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