BOONEN COULD FACE PROSECUTION FOR COCAINE USE

Tom Boonen Tour of Qatar st4

Belgian magistrates have confirmed that they will make a decision on January 6 if former world champion and classics winner Tom Boonen is to face criminal charges for using cocaine following his positive anti-doping test for the drug last summer.

Under Belgian law cocaine use is a criminal offence and according to reports in the Belgian press, 28 year-old Boonen could in theory face a prison sentence of between three months and five years and a fine of between 1000 and 100,000 Euro. Because it is his first offence, it is likely Boonen will face a fine and perhaps have to do some kind of social work.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.