Queensland's Robbie McEwen has claimed a second stage win and overall honours in the Tour de Wallonie Picarde in Belgium.

McEwen, a multiple stage winner of the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, last won the event in 2002 when it was known as the Circuit Franco Belge.

“This was not expected today,” said McEwen. “This was a hard stage with seven climbs of the Col de la Croix de Jubaru. Despite the heat I felt good today and actually felt better and better as the stage went on.

"I knew that I could take the overall victory by winning the stage if (Tom) Veelers or (Chris 'CJ') Sutton were not in the top three and that’s what happened. To be honest, this was an easy sprint for me. I chose CJ's wheel easily came past him. This proves I’m still there in cycling.”

His win in the 175.4km stage from Mons to Tournai is his fifth victory of the season for Team RadioShack, but for the 39-year-old, the season is not finished.

“Oh, yes, the season is not over yet. I hope I can show the same fast legs in Paris-Tours. That would be nice. I’ve never won that race.”

“Again I have big respect for Robbie McEwen. I admire his motivation. January through October, it doesn’t matter for McEwen," said Team Director Dirk Demol. "There was nice work from the team too. We didn’t have to defend the leader’s jersey but we were in all of the breaks but it ended in a sprint and Robbie created the crowning moment. We are very satisfied.”

After the 2011 season Robbie McEwen will relocate back to Australia and will start his final racing season as he always has.

“I will do some Australian races, followed by Qatar or Oman and the Flemish classics. Then it will be over and out,” said McEwen.


Source: Cycling Australia