Back to Belgium for Boonen

Tom Boonen is leaving Monaco and returning to Belgium, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. The Belgian has been living in the small independent state for three years, but will return to his home land to live with his girlfriend Lore.

Belgian counterpart Philippe Gilbert will replace Boonen in the Monaco tax haven, having recently decided to move there with his girlfriend Patricia. The move comes a year after Gilbert built a house in the Wallonie region, where he grew up.

Gilbert cited the mild climate of the Azur Coast and the mountains that lie just behind the Corniche for the reason for the move.