Tom Boonen to miss the Amstel Gold Race 2012
Tom Boonen of Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step is currently enjoying the peak of his career.
However, the latest news from the Belgian media has confirmed that the cyclist will not participate at the 2012 version of the Amstel Gold Race.
The Belgian filled his bag with a number of victories in the past season and is leading the 2012 World Tour ranking as of April, 2012.
His recent win came during the Paris-Roubaix where Boonen became part of history after claiming his fourth overall spot at the French race.
He has now equalled the record with his compatriot, Roger De Vlaeminck.
Roger succeeded during the 1972, 1974, 1985 and 1977 editions of the race and enjoyed the top position for 35 years.
Tom’s brilliant performance during the 2012 version of the race has now made Vlaeminck share the record as the honour collectively.
Boonen was delighted after his fourth win at the event, “I was not really thinking about the winning race or doing a record”.
"I was just fighting myself. I was taking it step by step, cobblestone by cobblestone, kilometre by kilometre”.
“I think if you start thinking about the 60 or 57 km, which is when I left, it's nearly impossible. It is all in your mind. I was really thinking about my lead”.
With the gap at 30 seconds I was trying to take it second by second. I was trying not to push it right away to one minute, tried not to force myself”, he concluded.
Boonen has not participated at the Amstel Gold Race before and it was believed that he might make his debut during the 2012 version of the race.
The 31-year-old opened his 2012 winning account with an overall victory at the Tour of Qatar an also secured the first and the fourth stages of the race.
He also finished first at the Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem and the E3 Harelbeke during the race.
The Belgian has also claimed the overall victories at the Tour of Flanders and the Paris-Roubaix in a same year for the second time.
It is now believed that Boonen will be seen back in action at the Amgen Tour of California scheduled on May 13th, 2012.
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