Dismounts and remounts were tricky in the sand.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
At least the sand provided a soft landing.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Zdenek Stybar runs through the sand.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Running with the bike was one tactic for dealing with the sand.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
A Quick Step rider in action.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Racers along the coast(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Maarten Wynants(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Like a 24-hour MTB race, riders ran to their bikes at the start.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Ready, set, go.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Riders lined up for the start. Lots of teams were represented.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
There was time to sign autographs.(Image credit: Photopress.be)
Former 'cross world champion Zdenek Stybar won the Tom Boonen and Friends Charity Cyclo-cross on Saturday afternoon in Belgium. Maarten Wynants and Pieter Vanspeybrouck rounded out the top three while Matteo Trentin was fourth and Peter Sagan rode to fifth.
"That was fun! thanks to all supporters!" tweeted Stybar after his victory, "...have to say that it was not easy. I've enjoyed [it] a lot!"
Held for the fourth time, the race benefitted the charity Move to Improve, which helps children with neuromotor problems.
The race's namesake, Tom Boonen, had to sit out the race. He is continuing to recover from the stomach illness that kept him out of the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team camp earlier this week.
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