Bouhanni claimed the victory in today's flat stage. The Frenchman outsprinted Luka Mezgec (Giant-Shimano) and Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing) in a hectic bunch sprint. Boom finished the stage safely in 26th position.

"We got through the final quite easily," Boom explained. “The boys did well by pulling at the front and reeling in the only remaining breakaway rider. That wasn’t a problem for us. In the final lap it was still stressful because we were heading for a bunch sprint.”

A crash in the hectic sprint cost the Eneco Tour its defending champion. Zdenek Stybar of Omega Pharma-QuickStep had to abandon the race after heavy spill that happened right behind race-leader Boom.

"I haven’t seen a lot except for some brief highlights on television. It’s never pleasant to see someone crash so hard. Here in Ardooie, it’s always a big fight. Of course the riders create dangerous situations themselves, but honestly, I have to say I don’t really like the final here.”
 
The classic three-stage trilogy, which will conclude the 2014 Eneco Tour kicks off tomorrow with a mini-version of the Tour of Flanders. On Saturday and Sunday the pro peloton will tackle stages similar to Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Amstel Gold Race.