Erwin Thijs (MrBookmaker) received some satisfaction for his efforts today, as the Belgian was one of the early attackers that escaped at km 25. The break was caught by the Boonen express at km 50, and dropped 5 km later, but Thijs hung onto the chase group to finish 13th (Florent Brard and Arnaud Coyot also did well, finishing 7th and 10th respectively).
"The aim was to get in an early breakaway," Thijs told VRT. "I could give the sponsor something with the publicity. But when Boonen and co. come along, you know that's it. Boonen gave me a clap on the shoulder. Andrea Tafi also did that when he won. It brings good luck, eh."
