After pulling out of the Tour de France due to lack of fitness, Quick-Step star Tom Boonen will put off his return to the peloton a little longer after announcing he won’t take part in the Tour de l’Ain.
The Belgian said he doesn’t feel good enough to take part in the race. After his lackluster showing in the Tour de France, Boonen will need to pull a good result in his next showing to regain confidence.
“There is nothing wrong in particular,” said manager Rik Verbrugghe. “It’s just a little too early to take part in a race of that difficulty.”
The race contains some very difficult climbs including a mountain top finish on the Grand Colombier.
“Boonen will still race the Vattenfall Classics in Hamburg, and will start the Eneco Tour,” added Vebrugghe.