Boonen to start Gent-Wevelgem

Tom Boonen is still in pain from his heavy fall in the Ronde van Vlaanderen but the Quick.Step leader has decided to start Gent-Wevelgem on Wednesday in order to test himself once more in competition before trying to avenge his Ronde defeat in Paris-Roubaix next weekend. "I don't know how the situation will evolve, but we will just have to see," the big Belgian told Sporza.

Boonen's good fortune in recent Rondes finally ran out when he fell heavily near Kortrijk after just 60km, injuring his left wrist and knees. On Monday, Boonen spent two hours training near his hometown of Balen but was still in some discomfort. "I'll be able to ride my bike but I don't know how the situation could evolve in the next few days," he said. "In Gent-Wevelgem I will see how my wrists and knees hold up during competition."

Quick.Step have announced a revised roster for the midweek semi-classic, replacing Sébastien Rosseler and Steven De Jongh with Peter Van Petegem and Kevin Hulsmans. Inflammation in his left knee has been cited as the reason for Rosseler's replacement while De Jongh is believed to have come down with the flu.

Quick.Step for Gent-Wevelgem: Tom Boonen, Wilfried Cretskens, Peter Van Petegem, Kevin Hulsmans, Gert Steegmans, Matteo Tosatto, Kevin Van Impe and Wouter Weylandt.