Apr 9, 2007 0
Ballan Wins Ronde Van Vlaanderen
Photo by: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
After winning the Three Days of De Panne Ballan looked to further continue his Belgian domination. That domination continued on Sunday with Ballan taking an very impressive victory at The Ronde Van Vlaanderen ahead of eternal Flanderian second Leif Hoste. Hoste did all he could as he went with Ballan when he attacked
on Muur of Geraardsbergen. Until that point most all of the favorites bar Fabian Cancellara were ready to pounce. Tom Boonen lead the group up the climb but did not seem to have the extra power to drop everyone. A powerful Ballan pounced up the most difficult section of the climb and was then followed by a very clever Leif Hoste. The pair worked perfectly to maximize their advantage as the chasers behind tried in vain to launch attacks. But after more than 100 miles in the Belgian countryside the extra snap needed to close gaps was not there.