Tom Boonen is unable to start today’s Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne because of illness, his Quick Step Floors team have announced.
The team made the following statement on Twitter: “Unfortunately, @tomboonen1 won’t start #KBK due to stomach problems. Have a fast recovery, Tom, and see you in #Tirreno!”
It was due to have been the final time that Boonen lined up in the race which he has the record number of victories in as he will retire from the sport after Paris-Roubaix in April. The Belgian has won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne three times, in 2007, 2009 and 2014.
Boonen had a difficult time at yesterday’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, as he was caught up in a couple of crashes. He initially crashed just ahead of the Haaghoek cobbled sector, but soon returned to the peloton, flanked by his teammates, despite hitting his right elbow and knee in the incident.
Unfortunately, another clash blocked him before the Taaienberg. He remounted and continued the race, but eventually pulled out in the last 50 kilometres.
Next up for Boonen is Tirreno-Adriatico which starts on 8 March.
