Stitches for Boonen

Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) was one of several riders who crashed in the wet and muddy first stage of the Driedaagse van De Panne. The Belgian came down when he ran into teammate Wilfried Cretskens, who crashed after 50 kilometres. Boonen bruised his back, pelvis, left elbow and leg, and also required stitches to the middle finger of his left hand after it was ripped open, exposing the tendon.

Boonen will start today's second stage of the Driedaagse van De Panne, but is worried that his injured back and pelvis will prevent him from being at his best in this Sunday's Ronde van Vlaanderen.