Cycling: Boonen barred from Tour
Tom Boonen has been barred from competing in next month's Tour de France in the wake of his positive test for cocaine.
Last Updated: 11/06/08 6:33pm
Tom Boonen has been barred from competing in next month's Tour de France in the wake of his positive test for cocaine.
The Belgian, winner of last year's green jersey for the race's points competition, tested positive in an out of competition control by the ministry of the Flemish Community on May 26th.
The 2005 world champion, who has a total of six stage wins on the Tour, was given the support of his Quick Step team at a press conference on Wednesday.
However, in the wake of various doping scandals to hit the Tour in recent years, organisers are now attempting to present the event in a more positive light, with teams taking part in 2008 having to sign a 'good conduct' charter.
Race director Christian Prudhomme has therefore said that Boonen cannot take part because his positive test, while not performance-enhancing, would damage the Tour's reputation.
He said: "As far as we are concerned, Tom Boonen is automatically ruled out of the Tour de France as soon as the information concerning his case has been confirmed."
In a statement, Boonen, who has also been barred from competing in the Tour of Switzerland starting on Saturday, apologised for the pain caused to both his team and his family.
"I'm not going to defend myself here today but I hurt my family, my friends and my team and I apologise," he said.
"I've been in the news recently in a negative way. I'm not perfect and I'll accept the consequences. I'm now going to get some rest and I can count on the confidence of my team.
"I hope that the fans will continue to support me. They will soon be able to count on my unreserved commitment," he added.
The Flemish Community said they will not be taking any action against Boonen, nor will he face International Cycling Union (UCI) sanctions.
