Thanks to an impressive sprint to the finish line, Team QuickStep's Tom Boonen earlier today won the 2011 Gent-Wevelgem classic for the second time in his career.

It was Boonen's first success in Gent-Wevelgem back in 2004 that started the legend of "Tornado Tom."

Today Boonen edged out Daniele Bennati (Team Leopard-Trek) and Tyler Farrar of Castelli-sponsored Team Garmin-Cervelo on the finish line.

"It's a great win that boosts the morale of our whole team. Everyone did a fantastic job today. It was quite emotional to cross the finish line here today. Winning this race after so many years has a special flavor to it," Tom Boonen told Roadcycling.com after the finish.

When asked what this victory means for his chances in next weekend's 2011 Tour of Flanders, Boonen said "This doesn't make much difference for the Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders 2011), they're two different things. I need to improve a bit more to be in top form for the Ronde. This week I will only focus on training and resting when I'm not pedaling."

"Gert (Steegmans) started the sprint and guided me perfectly. The difference between now and back in 2004 is that Flanders and Roubaix (Paris-Roubaix) were a dream back then. The following year I became a Sunday-race type of rider," Boonen said with a sparkle in his eye.

When asked to comment on the quality of his teammates for the coming classics and what level of support he can expect Boonen said "Our team is growing. Chavanel is doing well and so is Terpstra and Steegmans. Everyone still has a good improvement margin before Sunday's race. We can and must do well. It took some time to find the right mechanisms within the team with all these young and new riders. But we're very well-synched now and I think today's race showed it. Next Sunday we're going to ride a good race."

Stay tuned to Roadcycling.com for report, photos and results from the 2011 Tour of Flanders.

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