In his amateur days, Tom Steels also competed on the track (finishing 19th in the kilo time trial in Barcelona), but he soon focussed on a road racing career. Turning pro in 1994, Steels steadily became a top sprinter. His breakthrough came in 1996, when he won the minor classics Omloop Het Volk and Gent-Wevelgem. He won his first Belgian title in 1997, with three more following in 1998, 2002 and 2004 - a record. Cycling for the Mapei team, Steels collected nine Tour de France stage wins from 1998 to 2000, all in mass sprints. In subsequent years, Steels still collected victories, but no longer in first class races. He ended his career in 2008.
Belgium