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A.S.O. Bans Tom Boonen From Le Tour

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11.06.2008/Tour de France organiser A.S.O. announced today that the winner of last years points classification, Tom Boonen will be not be allowed to start this years edition of the French stage race. After A.S.O. earlier decided not to invite last years winner Alberto Contador, the upcoming Tour will start without the title defenders of the yellow and green jersey. The news comes after Boonen apologized this morning for his behaviour in the past few weeks. Boonen tested positive for cocain on May 26.

© Cyclingheroes
Tom Boonen is not allowed to defend his green jersey. (© Cyclingheroes)

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme himself announced the news that race organiser A.S.O. banned Tom Boonen from this years edition of the Tour. Prudhomme said he had spoken with Boonen and Quickstep's team manager Patrick Lefevere before A.S.O. took the decision.

Prudhomme said: "We will not allow Tom Boonen to start the Tour when the reports about him are confirmed." Prudhomme continued: "This is not a case about perfomance enhancing drugs, but a case from a society adrift, which is going beyond sports. Tom Boonen is a great champion but a great champion also has to act as a role model."

Earlier today Boonen apologized for his behaviour during a press confernce. "I heard the press conference this morning," Prudhomme said. Prudhomme did not shut the door for future editions of Le Tour. "Everybody makes mistakes," Prudhomme concluded.

After A.S.O. earlier decided not to invite the Astana team with last years Tour winner Alberto Contador and the number 3 overall, Levi Leipheimer, this years edition of the French stage race will only have two riders on the startlist, who were on the podium at last years Tour. Barloworld's Mauricio Soler will defend his polka-dot jersey and Silence Lotto's Cadel Evans (last years number two overall) will fight for overall vicory in next month's event.

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