Jens Debusschere is Belgium’s new cycling champion

In a surprise turn of events, 24-year-old Jens Debusschere (Lotto-Belisol) from Roeselare won this year’s Belgian national road race in Wielsbeke, West Flanders, on Sunday, pushing the pre-race favourite Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma - Quick.Step) into third place.

In a sprint finish, Debusschere beat Roy Jans (Wanty - Groupe Gobert) into second place.

Debusschere succeeds Stijn Devolder as Belgian National Road Race Champion. It was Debusschere’s first win of the season and his fifth professional race victory.

In an interview with sports channel Sporza, Debusschere said: "It's a cliché but this is a dream come true. I worked two or three months towards this race. I did altitude training and slept in a tent which I cursed every night. So it's magnificent to grab this title.”