In a press release from the Quick Step team it was confirmed that Tom Boonen will not be on the start list of the 2008 Tour de France. The decision was taken in agreement with the athlete.
“Although we continue to consider what happened to Tom as an extra-sports episode,"explained team manager Patrick Lefevere, "we also respect the position expressed by the ASO during the meeting held last week in Paris. After talking at length with the rider we believe that this is the best solution for Tom and the team. Tom will try to compete for the green jersey next year.”
The team said that Boonen’s program for the upcoming weeks will include the Belgian National Championship, the Tour of Austria and the Tour de Wallonie.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed to miss the start of the Tour", Boonen explained, "I know how much this race means to my team, my sponsors and all my fans. Next year I’m going to come back even more motivated to try again for the green jersey. From now on I’m going to give my best in every race I participate starting with the National Championship on Sunday. The season is not over yet by any means and fortunately I still have a lot of challenges ahead, from La Vuelta in Spain to the World Championship in Varese which takes place on a parcour I really like.”
Le Grande Boucle is beyond reproach when it concerns issues relating to doping, and it is doubtful that trying to get a ground swell of support to allow Boonen into the race would have had any real impact.