Eddy Merckx not that positive about Tom Boonen’s form for the coming season
One of the biggest cycling sensations, Eddy Merckx, commented on his favourite cyclist, Tom Boonen, saying that Boonen is not as strong as he used to be especially with his sprints.
Eddy now serves as a cycling consultant with Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step. He told Cyclingnews, “I don’t think he’s [Boonen] the rider he once was”.
He further added, “Last year he had some problems with his hand, and he’s had knee problems, too. He’s not a young rider anymore”.
Tom Boonen was at his best when he secured the Paris-Roubaix victories in 2005, 2008 and 2009. His performance has declined since then, as his last classic triumph was two years ago.
The 31-year old could not perform to his potential in the recent two years as he failed to secure enough wins to his credit.
He finished 30th at the UCI World Tour Individual Ranking as of October 2011, as he only managed 140 UCI points.
His best performance over the two years includes a second overall finish at the Milan-San Remo, third at the Tour of Qatar and fifth overall at Paris-Roubaix 2010.
Tom claimed the stage 1 win at the Tour of Qatar 2011, with a 4th overall finish at Ronde van Vlaanderen, in the same year.
Eddy also mentioned that Boonen is not as motivated as he used to be towards the start of his career.
He briefed, “For him it’s also a question of motivation. If he can be motivated then he can perhaps come back in the Classics like Flanders and Roubaix but it will be very difficult for him to beat the sprinters these days”.
He also observed that if Boonen can have a good start to the season he might as well end up winning the Tour of Flanders and Roubaix.
Eddy commented that Omega Pharma-Quick Step is a strong team with the best riders that suits the classics. Tony Martin, Peter Velits, Michal Golas, Levi Leipheimer and Francesco Chicchi form a strong Quick Step squad for the coming season.
Merckx believes that Tom should give his hundred percent in order to compete with other sprinters at the event.
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