Tom Boonen will not face cocaine trial
Belgian sprinter Tom Boonen will not face trial for failing a doping test for cocaine, as the criminal charges against him have been dropped.
The Quick Step rider failed an out-of-competition test for the banned substance in May 2008. He was subsequently barred from riding the Tour de France. Boonen, a massive star in Belgium, was also subjected to public scrutiny and ridicule after the failed test.
A court in Turnhout, Belgium, today (Tuesday) ruled that Boonen had 'suffered enough', and no benefit would be gained by pursuing the charge. Boonen himself was not present in the courtroom as he is currently riding in the Tour of Qatar.
Boonen has never publicly denied or confirmed that he took cocaine.
RELATED LINKS
Boonen could face prosecution for cocaine use
Cocaine positive may not spell disaster for Boonen
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Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.