Tom Boonen’s recovery ride is almost over
The intestinal infection attacked Tom Boonen in November and the cyclist has patiently spent the time on bed, watching his teammates and competitors race through a television set during the charity cyclo-cross.
However, it seems like the Belgian’s wait is finally over as he gets ready to join Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step’s team camp in Mallorca from Monday.
He missed out the previous two sessions with the team including the team building camp and his own charity race, which was a bit of a disappointment for his fans.
Team Sports Director, Wilfried Peeters explained that the Belgian looks in shape to get back on his bike and is expected to join the team in the coming week.
He also explained that Tom’s inclusion at the Monday’s event is vital, both for the team and the cyclist as it is the only event when the whole team is gathered.
“I hope so, because this is actually the only time in the year that the whole team is assembled. Then everyone goes off in all directions," Wilfried explained.
However, Peeters is positive that even after missing a couple of training sessions, a cyclist of Boonen’s calibre can always catch back in no time.
He told Het Nieuwsblad, “Tom was fortunately a little ahead in his preparations,” he said. “An illness is always inconvenient for an athlete, but it's not a disaster”.
“It is good that he will be attending the training camp, as it is time to work on Boonen's racing calendar for the coming year”.
“Now that schedule will be finalized. The puzzle is put together. We look at whether the Tour of San Luis or Qatar and Oman is the appropriate way for Boonen".
The 32-year-old enjoyed a peak season filled with several marvellous performances straight from the start.
He succeeded at the World Team Time Trial Championships, National Road Race Championships along with stage wins and overall victories at the Tour of Qatar, World Ports Classics 2012.
Boonen finished first at the Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem, E3 Harelbeke, Paris-Brussels, finished second at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and fourth at the Vattenfall Cyclassics.
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