Tom Boonen has been ruled out of this Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race with a foot injury.
The Omega Pharma-QuickStep leader, winner of last Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix, as well as the Ronde Van Vlaander, Gent Wevelgem, and E3 Harlebeke, has a tendon issue in his left foot.
Boonen said the problem had existed since Paris-Nice, where won the second stage, but had worsened since Paris-Roubaix.
“The vibrations on the cobblestones on Sunday have worsened it. Nothing serious but it’s better to stop and rest. I’m sad because I wanted to ride the Amstel in support of my teammates after the great support the team gave me during these three weeks.But the season is still very long and after talking with the team we have mutually decided to not take risks for the upcoming races.
“I’m also still very tired. The Roubaix is always a very demanding race. The team is very strong and prepared. I’m sure the guys will be working hard again this Sunday,” he said.
The Belgian Classics king will now rest. A spokesman for Omega Pharma-QuickStep said Boonen’s competitive programme would be “announced shortly.”
