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Michel Spingler/AP/Press Association Images
Unstoppable four-ce

Boonen rides into Paris-Roubaix record books

Belgium’s Tom Boonen won the Paris-Roubaix for a record-equalling fourth time this afternoon.

BELGIAN TOM BOONEN made history on Sunday with a record-equalling fourth win in the Paris-Roubaix.

Boonen joined compatriot Roger De Vlaeminck with his victory, which was set up by a solo break with more than 50km remaining.

The Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider surged clear of the pack and was unchallenged in his charge to the line.

Sebastien Turgot (Europcar) finished one minute 39 seconds behind Boonen, with Alessandro Ballan (BMC Racing) rounding out the podium places.

The one-day classic, known as ‘The Hell of the North’, sees riders confronted by mud, dirt and cobbled roads over a gruelling 257.5 kilometres.

Boonen, who struggled in 2011, has responded strongly this year with wins in the Tour of Flanders, Ghent-Wevelgem and E3 Harelbeke.

His team, alongside BMC Racing and Team Sky, attempted to chase a 12-man breakaway for some time but as expected, the race was not decided until the Arenberg cobbled sector started.

Several riders fell to the ground as the conditions became tougher, while more could not keep the pace with the leaders.

Sylvain Chavanel (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) was impressing but once the cobbles stopped, Boonen made his charge.

The 31-year-old was joined by the likes of Filippo Pozzato (Farnese Vini), Turgot and Ballan while Boonen’s team-mate, Niki Terpstra, caught up later.

And it was Boonen and Terpstra who kicked clear shortly after, before the latter dropped back to the pack in the aim of harming the chase.

Despite the impressive efforts of Ian Stannard (Team Sky), once Boonen set off he simply was not going to be caught and he kept increasing his lead as the race continued.

That allowed the veteran to enjoy his entrance into the Roubaix velodrome as the crowd showed their appreciation for the champion.

Boonen’s win followed successes in the same event in 2005, 2008 and 2009.

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