Tour of Belgium cycling kicked off on Wednesday with rising star Wouter Weylandt of Quick-Step team taking the day's prize.

In western Belgian city of Ostend, Weylandt won the sprint of the first group, beating Britain's Jeremy Hunt. He is the first overall leader.

The opening stage in the Tour of Belgium, 182 km with start and finish in Ostend, also marked the return of Tom Boonen. The former world champion returned in competition after a long injury lay-off and did better than expected.

"Actually, I wasn't meant to win this stage," Weylandt surprised reporters after the race.

"We would prepare the sprint for (team mate) Gert Steegmans. However, Gert said he wasn't feeling too well so I just took my chance."

Weylandt said that his young team mate Sebastien Rosseler is a candidate to take the overall victory on Sunday.

On Thursday, the race will go inland, with the famous "Wall of Geraarsbergen" and the Bosberg on the menu.

Weylandt will be wearing the black leader's jersey in the 180 km stage connecting Ostend and Buggenhout.