Tom Boonen is putting on a brave face in the lead up to the Ronde van Vlaanderen, despite crashing in stage 1 of the Driedaagse van De Panne and receiving three stitches in one of his fingers. "The injury is OK and is not bothering me too much," said Boonen at a press conference after the morning stage of the Driedaagse. "I still have pain when I'm on the cobbles, but not of the type that will stop me riding fast this Sunday."
Boonen will have to do without Paolo Bettini, as the experienced Italian wasn't able to train hard enough this week because of the after effects of the throat infection that forced him to pull out of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali. "I have recovered fully, but I am still too weak to take part in such a difficult race like the Ronde Van Vlaanderen," said Bettini. "It's a shame as I really like the race but I have no option as I need to be in top form for the second part of the classics."
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
