Despite his strong showing in yesterday’s kermis in Viane, Tom Boonen (Quickstep) is still suffering from back pain sustained in a crash in the Vuelta A Espana’s time trial to Valencia.
“My sacrum is a little crooked. I’ve had it treated but the pain keeps coming back” Boonen told Het Nieuwsblad.
Boonen, who will ride for Belgian team captain, Philippe Gilbert (Silence Lotto), downplays his back problems despite the World Championships only being five days away
“In Mendrisio it will be all or nothing for me. I only have to be strong one more time this year. That is possible right?
“In principle I don’t even have to do anything. Just hang on, not one pedal stroke too many. I know it will be very difficult. That’s why I have no problem with Gilbert as captain. If I don’t feel super or the race situation needs me to than I have no problem sacrificing my chances for Gilbert. He’s earned it after a year like this and that’s what I told him. This course has his name written on it. The upcoming years when it’s flatter than it will be to my advantage.”
The Belgian will be looking to avoid last year’s disappointing World Championships that took place in Varese where a lack of team cooperation might have cost Boonen the world title. If it’s up to him they will forget last year and focus on Sunday’s 262 kilometer race.
“A group meeting is in my opinion is not even necessary. Varese has been talked about enough.”