Paris-Roubaix: Tom Boonen Wins to Cap a Stunning Spring

Tom Boonen rode to victory in today's Paris-Roubaix with a stunning solo effort across the cobbles of Northern France.

This was Boonen's fourth Paris-Roubaix win, adding to his victories in 2005, 2008 and 2009.

This means that he now holds the joint-record for most number of wins with legendary Belgian rider Roger De Vlaeminck.

Boonen rode an uncharacteristic race, going clear with 53 km still to go.

Aided by teammate Niki Terpstra, Boonen moved to a gap of 21 seconds before dropping Terpstra and going for it alone.

Filipo Pozzato, runner-up in the Tour of Flanders, had looked dangerous, but saw his hopes disappear with a crash as Boonen began to turn the screw at the head of the field.

Despite the best efforts of Juan Antonio Flecha and Alessandro Ballan, the chasing group would not see Boonen again until the podium, as the Belgian calmly stretched the lead.

Rabobank's Lars Boom made a last-ditch attempt to catch Boonen with around 18 km remaining, but it was to no avail, as the Dutchman was caught by the chasing group soon after.

There was nothing left for Boonen to do but savor the win—which he did, waving to the crowds and even winking at the camera.

He was greeted by the roar of the crowds in the Roubaix velodrome, who cheered him across the line to a record-tying fourth Paris-Roubaix title.

Sébastien Turgot and Ballan provided the excitement in the velodrome, as they sprinted for second place.

Turgot was given the result by the skin of his teeth in a photo finish.

This latest win continues the incredible run of form that has seen Boonen win The Tour of Qatar, Gent-Wevelgem, E3 Prijs, The Tour of Flanders and now The Hell of the North.

This comes after a poor 2011 season, which saw him have to abandon on the pavé of Paris-Roubaix.

He now sits proudly at the top of the UCI World Tour rankings after one of the most dominant springs of all time.

After all that, he definitely deserves a rest.