The accolades continue for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team and OPQS rider Tom Boonen. Boonen, today, received the Belgian Sportsman of the Year award. However, the moment was extra special. Boonen was unable to personally attend the event in Belgium due to OPQS training camp. So, while the broadcast was in Belgium, there was a satellite broadcast with Boonen at the hotel in Mallorca where OPQS is staying during training camp. Boonen's teammates watched the ceremony, Tony Martin handed Boonen his award, and the team had a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion.
"This means a lot to me," Boonen said. "This is the third important trophy I got this winter. This is probably the most important one, especially because it covers all the sports we have in Belgium. It has been a pretty good year for Belgian sports, so I am very happy with this award."
The judges for the award were journalists. This is the third time Boonen has won the award for Belgian Sportsman of the Year.
"Cycling is always a sport that does good in these elections, especially now with two guys nominated for the top three places."
Boonen will use awards like the Belgian Sportsman of the year as motivation for another great season in 2013.
Congratulations to Boonen from all of OPQS!