Boonen out of Tour de France

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Tom Boonen (Quick Step).

Tom Boonen (Quick Step). (Image credit: Mark Johnson/www.ironstring.com)
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Belgian star Tom Boonen is interviewed before the start.

Belgian star Tom Boonen is interviewed befo🐻re the start. (Image credit: Jon Devich)
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Scars on the legs of rider Tom Boonen (BMC)

Scars on the legs of rider Tom Boonen (BMC) (Image credit: Kirsten Frattini)

Tom Boonen has ruled himself o𓆏ut of this year's Tour de France and Sunday's Belgian National Championship due to patellar tendonitis in his left knee. He took the decision in consultation with Quick Step medical staff after a series of tests in Herentals today.

Barry Ryan was Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author ofꦇ , published by Gill Books.