Boonen confident despite defeat

Tom Boonen (Quick Step) at the start of stage three. He won the day with a powerful sprint into Mesaieed.

Tom Boonen (Quick Step) at the start of stage three. He won the day with a powerful sprint into Mesaieed. (Image credit: AFP)

Even though Tom Boonen was beaten in yesterday's Tour of Oman stage four by 20 year-old Australian Leigh Howard (HTC-Columbia), the Belgian feels confident about his season build-up. Having won two stages in the Tour of Qatar, Boonen assured the media that his form as well as his weight was where it needs to be for his further objectives.