Tom Boonen will turn 36 just before the Worlds road race, but the 2005 World Champion is expecting not favours from the bunch in his final Worlds as he seeks out the ultimate present for himself.

"I'm not really bothered about birthday presents and I’m not asking for any special presents. I’d be happy with new underwear or a pair of socks. Of course the world title would be even nicer and I know I won’t forget this birthday,” Boonen said, according to Sporza.

With Boonen’s quality as a Classics rider often shinign through in Qatar, many are tipping him as a favourite to win the race. The Belgian legend, who will draw a close a career that has over 100 wins just after Paris-Roubaix, says he wont keep racing past that date, even if he has the Rainbow bands on his back.

“The World Championships is the last big race of this season but there are still a lot of races I’ll focus on next season. Will I continue to race if I win? No. I made up my mind a long time ago, even if I win the world title or not in Qatar. Paris-Roubaix is my last race."

Boonen says the key to winning the race in Qatar is who can handle the extreme heat the best. He says that riding for even thirty minutes without a drink will be dangerous.

"I feel good in Qatar, so on the one hand I’m looking forward to it, but on the other hand, I also know the heat and wind will make it a very particular World Championships,” Boonen said. “They’re predicting extreme conditions, so who can handle it the best is likely to be world champion. I think people have underestimated the weather conditions. You have to take on between ten and twelve litres of liquids, so it's important to be well supplied. If you ride half an hour without a drink, your race is over and you can go home.”