Boonen out of Tour de France
Boonen tested positive for cocaine last month
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Wednesday, 11, Jun 2008 10:59
Former cycling world champion Tom Boonen will be unable to compete at next month's Tour de France after testing positive for cocaine.
The 27-year-old sprint specialist has been under investigation in his native Belgium for suspected possession after he tested positive for the illegal substance on May 26th.
However, despite being released on Monday without charge, race director Christian Prudhomme has confirmed that Boonen will not be permitted to line up for the flagship event.
He told BBC Sport: "Tom Boonen is a big champion but a big champion must also be exemplary. The integrity of the Tour could be harmed."
The Belgian will also be prevented from competing in this weekend's Tour of Switzerland, but his Quick Step team, who have vowed to stand by him, will take part in both races.
Boonen, who was also caught speeding by police last week when under the influence of alcohol, said: "I am not going to defend myself here, but I have caused my family, friends and team pain and I apologise for that.
"I have been in the news in a negative way lately. I am not perfect and will accept the consequences."
Boonen was handed a reprieve yesterday when The International Cycling Union (UCI) confirmed that he will not face further sanctions from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
Spokesman Enrico Carpani explained that the UCI was not informed of Boonen's results and that a failed test is considered 'out-of-competition' if taken in the three days before a race.
He said: "If Boonen is tested positive for cocaine, it's not a sports problem.
"There is no violation as, in out-of-competition tests, cocaine is not a forbidden substance for the Wada code and UCI anti-doping rules."