103rd Paris-Roubaix Results...

After many kilometers of attrition, where many of the favorites were left in mud and dust, the race came down to 5 riders in the last 20k; Tom Boonen (Quick.Step),George Hincapie (Discovery), Juan Antonio Flecha (Fassa), Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas), Lars Michaelsen (CSC). The selection was further minimized when Michaelsen flatted and Backstedt, being twice the size of most riders couldn't hold the pace on Sector 3 of the cobles, leaving only Boonen, Hincapie, and Flecha to fight it out for the victory. Hincapie led the group coming into the velodrome in Roubaix, where the race finishes, where they will complete 1.5 laps to the finish.

From CyclingNews.com race comentary...

Boonen in second wheel, high on the bank, Then Flecha takes over with one lap to go. Hincapie in second, Boonen third. Half a lap, then it's Boonen who attacks first and easily wins Paris-Roubaix!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hincapie second, then Flecha!! Tom does the double!!!!!

It's an incredible win for Tom Boonen taking his first victory in this, the most grueling of bike races. It's unfortunate that Backstedt couldn't hold the pace in the final kilometers as he was last years winner and would have loved to back that up with another win. Alas, the winner of this race is usually the one who has the greatest luck and most perserverence, let's not forget you also have to make the winning break.

Congratulations to Tom Boonen for an excellent ride, posibly the ride of his career. He can now stake his claim as the new Lion of Flanders and the golden child of Belgium bike racing.

Results
Provisional
1 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick.Step 6.27.31
2 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery
3 Juan Antonio Flecha (Spa) Fassa Bortolo
4 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Liquigas-Bianchi 1.09
5 Lars Michaelsen (Den) CSC