The 2009 Franco-Belge ended in dramatic fashion yesterday afternoon with American Tyler Farrar holding on to claim the title despite a hectic final few kilometers.

With only five km’s left to the finish line, the Garmin-Slipstream rider suffered a puncture in his tyre, which saw him fade away from the main paleton.

It appeared that the unfortunate event would see second placed Belgian champion Tom Boonen steal the prized crown, before an inspired Farrar found an extra gear and managed to re connect with the main group with less than three minutes of riding left.

The American finished eight seconds ahead of Boonen in the overall classifications and 14 seconds from third placed Roger Hammond.

But while the main celebrations were heard form Farrar and his podium compatriots, Saxo Bank rider Juan José Haedo was all smiles after his first stage victory in the event.

The Argentinean sprinter completed a well-deserved win ahead of Yauheni Hutarovich and Hammond.

Jose Haedo celebrated a double victory with his final stage efforts also earning him the sprinters jersey for the event.

The Argentine finished five points ahead of Hutarovich, who again had to settle for the second place.

The Swiss Cervelo Test Team took out the classification for best team of the event and Holland’s Tom Veelers the white jersey for the best young rider.