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| Boonen faces potentially missing the Tour in July [GALLO/GETTY] |
Former world cycling champion Tom Boonen has announced he is to attend therapy to combat a cocaine problem, following his second positive out-of-competition test in as many years.
His team Quick Step announced that the Belgian will be given a heavy fine on top of his indefinite suspension, but have decided not to fire the cyclist.
However, the 2005 world champion could potentially miss the highlight of the cycling season - participation in the Tour de France in July.
In 2007, he won the green jersey as best sprinter.
Leisure time
Organisers barred him last year after his first positive test and are expected to decide shortly on his participation this year.
"At issue is an occasional use of cocaine, triggered by certain situations during leisure time in between important efforts,'' the team and Boonen said in a joint signed statement, after he turned in a positive test late last month.
The test came two weeks after winning the Paris-Roubaix classic for the third time, one of cycling's most important one day races of the season.
At 28, it further confirmed him as one of the greatest one-day racers of his generation.
Boonen then broke his foot in his last spring race and rested after that.
"When I live three or four months like a stoic,'' and then go out to party "I apparently turn into somebody different,'' he told VRT network.
Boonen's therapy will last at least a year, with weekly consultations during the first months.
He will be tested every two weeks.
No sanctions
The UCI world cycling federation said that Boonen faces no sanction despite his second positive test in as many years because the anti-doping code stipulates that cocaine is not a forbidden product when used during rest periods.
"From a legal point of view, he could have some problems, but not with UCI and not with the World Anti-Doping Agency,'' said UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani.
A Belgian court found him guilty in February but issued no penalty against Boonen, who apologised but without admitting he had taken the drug.
Penalties for cocaine possession in Belgium can vary from three months to five years in jail, along with fines of up to $155,000.
When news leaked out over the weekend that he tested positive, Lance Armstrong came out in defence of his former teammate.
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"To me, this is more of a social situation than a sporting issue"
Lance Armstrong
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"To me, this is more of a social situation than a sporting issue and I think we have to address it from a social standpoint,'' Armstrong said.
"I feel for him. I know Tom because he was on this team.
"Look, Tom Boonen is not the only guy in the world that has that temptation.
"So I wish him my best and hope he rights the ship.''
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