ImagoThe Dutch Skil-Shimano rider edged Team Sky's Crhis Sutton in a spring to the line at the end of the 153km stage from Anoing to Ichtegem after a blistering day's cycling which saw the stage raced at 47km/h.
Europcar's Sebastian Chavanel came third, and Radioshack's Robbie McEwen - winner of the opening stage - was fourth.
A five man breakaway by Alessandro Ballan (BMC), Diego Caccia (Farnese Vini-Neri), William Clarke (Leopard Trek), Ronan Van Zandbeek (Skil-Shimano) and Sebastien Delfosse (Landbouwkrediet) looked like taking the stage away from the field as it kept clear of the peloton for over 100km, but the quintet were caught 10km from the finish.
Veelers' victory gives him the overall lead of the general classification as well as the lead in the points race heading into Sunday's final stage, a 175.4km ride from Mons to Tournai.
