Julian's biography
Prof. since: 2002
Victories: 126
Style of rider: Cobblestone specialist, sprinter
Nickname: Tornado Tom
Hobbies: Car driving
Favourite race: Ronde Van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix
Personal website: www.tomboonen.com
Twitter name:Read more at http://opqs14.preview.sanmax.be/en/team/rider/tom-boonen#V6qVHOiEc3mqzILD.99
Prof. since: 2014
Victories: 2
Style of rider: attacker
Nickname: -
Hobbies: all the sports related to speed, music
Favourite race: Northern classics, Tour de France
Personal website: -
Twitter name: @alafpolak
Julian was discovered by Johan Molly, a masseur by profession and a talent scout for the love of it. It was Molly who suggested that team management take a look at this promising young French rider who lives in St-Amand Montrond, the town that in 2013 hosted one of the most beautiful stages of the Tour de France ever, won by Mark Cavendish after a phenomenal performance by Etixx – Quick-Step. Julian started riding at 13, preferring the bike over the drums, which he still plays. "My father was an orchestra conductor for many years, so maybe that's why I love music and rhythm. Like riding, music gives me an outlet for my energy," Julian says. A lover of cycling in all its forms, he also won two French national championships in cyclo-cross in the Under 23 category. Dynamic and determined, Julian came from the Etixx – Quick-Step Continental team, Etixx-Inhed.
In his first season with the team, Julian showed the courage to attack and the talent to win. He finished on the podium twice in Volta a Catalunya, and then he crossed the line within the top 10 of a Tour de l'Ain mountain stage before earning the first victory of his professional career in the race's 4th stage. Julian attacked with 3 kilometers to go to win the stage. However, despite his early success, Julian is continuing to focus on learning for the 2015 season. "With the talent of this team I was able to learn from the best with so many parts of racing: Defending leaders, working in leadout trains, staying within yourself on the climbs, and of course winning races. I am happy to be with Etixx – Quick-Step, where tradition allows young riders like me to develop with a support system of world-class staff and riders.