Boonen takes second stage of Tour de France

Tom Boonen of Belgium won today’s second stage of the Tour de France, a 181.5km ride from Challans to Les Essarts.

Boonen, of the Quickstep team, timed his sprint to perfection to overhaul Rob McEwen of Australia in the closing 50 metres and raised his arms to the skies in celebration as he crossed the line.

McEwen had to settle for third place in the stage as he was also passed by Norway’s Thor Hushovd who came second on the day.

American David Zabriskie retains the race leader’s yellow jersey he had earned by winning Saturday’s opening time-trial.