After returning to competition in last week's Tour of Norway, Paul Martens has repeatedly ventured his frustration over a lack of strength. Today he returned to his usual powerful self when he won the final stage of the Tour of Belgium and now hopes to have put his bad feelings behind him.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM succeeded today in the Baloise Belgium Tour. After having fought for victories in the previous stages, Paul Martens won the final stage by out-sprinting a small bunch in Oreye after 178 kilometres. 

Bram Tankink attacked in the final along with race leader Tony Martin of Omega Pharma-Quick Step and Giant-Shimano’s Dries Devenyns. The group caught the trio in the final kilometre, however. 

“Martin can hold a very high pace and tried to create an opportunity for himself by attacking, but our group was so large that I didn’t have to worry,” said Martens. 

In the sprint, the 30-year-old German kept his cool and beat Francesco Gavazzi of Astana and BMC’s Greg Van Avermaet.

“When you sprint with a small group, it’s always difficult because riders can come from anywhere as the pace isn’t too high. I felt powerful and knew that if I could sprint freely, I could win. 

“It’s nice to win again. In the last few weeks, I was looking for the right feeling and I was a little bit uncertain. Hopefully, that’s over now.” 

Sports Director Michiel Elijzen said the victory was a nice ending.

“We have ridden an aggressive and smart race, and it’s nice that our work now pays off. Everyone rode at a high level this week. We’ve had a good week. Only three teams have won here and we are one of them.” 

Sep Vanmarcke hit the tarmac in the sprint, but appeared OK despite a few big scrapes. Not long after his spill, he was already able to congratulate his teammate Martens. Elijzen said, “He’s pretty banged up, but laughed about it afterwards.”