Tom Boonen, Etixx – Quick-Step and Paris-Roubaix. Three names which will be forever linked, indivisible one from another, and which are poised to write a new chapter next season, as the 35-year-old Belgian agreed on a new contract with the team whose symbol he is. Since joining the squad created in 2003 by Patrick Lefevere, Boonenhas become one of the shiniest stars in the galaxy of cycling and built a huge legacy and a name that will stand forever as possibly the greatest one to tame the ruthless and treacherous cobbles of the north.

Three wins in Ronde van Vlaanderen and four in Paris-Roubaix make Tom Boonen joint-holder of the all-time record in both events, and by continuing with Etixx – Quick-Step he will have a chance to go again for the races which he loves so much. Besides the two Monuments, he’s also won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, E3 Harelbeke and Gent-Wevelgem, all on multiple occasions, six stages and the points classification at the Tour de France, as well as the coveted rainbow jersey, all making up for one of the most impressive list of achievements ever seen in cycling, with each of these victories having its special place in the history books.

“I’m very happy and delighted what we came to an agreement. It’s important for me to stay in this team, as I’ve basically spent my entire career here and enjoyed many beautiful moments, reaching some big goals”, said Tom Boonen, one of the few riders in the current peloton to win more than 100 races as pro. “I know everybody since the inception of the team and I consider this squad as my second family. To be quite frankly, I don’t see myself with another jersey. It will be great to embark again with this strong team on a new adventure in the one-day cobbled races.”

“We are very happy to have Tom on board also for next season. It’s the logical way. We have a strong connection with Tom, which goes back to 2003, when our team was established. By staying with us, Tom can count on a strong team which will support him in next season’s Northern Classics campaign and in his assault for a fifth Paris-Roubaix”, said Patrick Lefevere, Etixx – Quick-Step’s CEO, who witnessed Tom Boonen become one of cycling’s greatest riders in his 14-year spell with the team.