Boonen accepts his fate in Flanders

Tom Boonen (Quick Step) suffering on the slopes of the Mur de Grammont.

Tom Boonen (Quick Step) suffering on the slopes of the Mur de Grammont. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Belgian champion Tom Boonen felt he was an equal match in strength for Fabian Cancellara in the Tour of Flanders today, yet for the second time in a week, he found himself unable to stay on the Swiss champion's wheel. Once the gap opened on the Kapelmuur between the two riders with less than 20km to go, Boonen realized he didn't stand a chance of winning his third career title and had to settle for second place.