While Boonen's parents were celebrating with their son in Madrid, the party was on again in his home town in Belgium, too. The people in Tom's hometown of Balen are getting used to the festivities put on for their golden son, but they don't seem to mind, and like before, it seemed the whole town was out on the streets celebrating Tom's win. By 5pm, the St-Andriessquare was filled with people and beer was flowing abundantly.
Grandpa Boonen was the happiest old man on that square, and was interviewed by the Belgian television, surrounded by hundreds of fans. "I'm speechless, can't find the right words," he said. "Congratulations Tommeke! Man, how my heart was racing when I saw Tom flying towards the finish line. Really not a good thing for someone with a weak heart; luckily I've got a pacemaker so I can handle a bit of emotion!"
