Tom Boonen is now preparing for the Tour de France step by step, after a "well-deserved and welcome rest". His last race was Paris-Roubaix, where he finished sixth, nearly a minute behind winner Stuart O'Grady.
Writing on his website, tomboonen.com, he said he needed the break. "This had to do with the shit that has come down on me because I didn't win Paris-Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders. For some people, this meant I had a bad spring, and that criticism has affected me."
He took advantage of his time off. "I rested a lot," he said, "and got things into place again. Taking perspective was something I had to learn again.
"Because of the fine weather I stayed one more week with my parents. I had the opportunity to talk to my friends again. Right now, I'll be gearing up for the Tour. One step at the time, I am eager again!"