Boonen says all sprinters have the same problem

Tom Boonen (Quick Step) is having the curse of the Belgian champion's jersey this Tour. (Image credit: Fotoreporter Sirotti)

Tom Boonen of Quick Step had to to go court to be allowed to ride in this year's Tour de France, but so far the Belgian sprinter hasn't been able to accomplish anything. “All the sprinters are having the same problem and that has two words: Mark Cavendish,” Boonen said.

Boonen can start in the Tour

Cavendish of Team Columbia-HT has won all four of the mass sprints in the race so far. Former World champion and current Belgian champion Boonen has not finished higher than 16th.

Earlier in the week, team manager Patrick Lefevere had criticized his sprinter, telling Sporza “we can forget the green jersey.” Boonen was not pleased with the implied criticism, saying, “Did Patrick Lefevere say I'm not good enough? Then he can sprint himself.”