Following his second place finish in last year’s edition, Lars Boom from the Blanco Pro Cycling team has won the 2013 Ster ZLM Toer. His position as leader in the tour was never in danger in the 176 kilometre long final stage between Gerwen and Boxtel.

“Everything went well today, just like it did the entire week”, said Boom afterwards. “With an eye on the Dutch Championships, I wanted to confirm my form here and that is a tick in the box. This is good for my confidence.”

The final stage in Brabant was won by Pim Ligthart. The Vacansoleil-DCM rider was the strongest of a lead group that stayed just a fraction ahead of the peloton. Theo Bos was unable to take part in the lead-out as he had punctured six kilometres before the finish line. “I would have liked another crack at all those sprinters assembled here”, said a disappointed Bos after the race. “I was up front all day and felt very good. I sat perfectly in Lars’ wheel when I suddenly got a flat.”

Successful
In retrospect, it was very successful Ster ZLM Tour for the Blanco Pro Cycling Team. Robert Wagner triumphed in the prologue and wore the yellow jersey for two days. Theo Bos edged out André Greipel, Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel to win the second stage whilst Lars Boom took the honors in the Queen Stage and ultimately finished atop the General Classification.

Sports Director Erik Dekker was very satisfied afterwards. “It’s been a great week. We set our goals beforehand and we succeeded: we wanted to win the prologue, a sprint with Theo and the Queen Stage and GC with Lars. The only smudge is that Theo could not sprint because of a flat, but we won’t let that rain our parade.”