Lars Boom will start the tough final weekend of the 2013 Eneco Tour as the GC leader. In the stage 5 time trial today, the Dutch reigning champion of the Belkin Pro Cycling Team clocked the tenth best time. Sylvain Chavanel (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) was twenty seconds faster and took the win, but the Frenchman started the race with a 24-second deficit and was unable to take Boom's jersey. 

“I gave everything I had,” said Boom, who acknowledged he made errors. “I’m pleased with the first part of my ride, but in the second section, I lost a lot of time. But that’s how it is, I know couldn’t have gone any faster.” 

On Saturday and Sunday the peloton faces two hard stages in Belgium. Boom knows the stakes. “Last year I wasn’t in the lead after the TT and I still managed to win the overall. It’s different now because I have to defend the jersey, but tomorrow is a new day and I’ll do my utmost best," Boom said. "Nevertheless, it’s always good to have the jersey already.” 

During the two toughest days of the Eneco Tour, Boom can count on five team-mates. After Theo Bos abandoned on Thursday with a sore buttocks, Mark Renshaw - winner of the first stage – dropped out of the race on today. The Australian is suffering from a viral infection in combination with the flu. “Of course I'm going to miss Theo and Mark," said Boom, who knows the importance of his teammates. “They definitely would've done some important work for me.” 

Boom has reasons to remain optimistic, though. He’s been strong all week and knows it’s every man for himself on La Redoute tomorrow.