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Wednesday May 13, 2009

Boonen to get treatment after positive test

BRUSSELS: Belgian cycling team Quick Step will not fire former world champion Tom Boonen after a positive out-of-competition test for cocaine, the team said on Monday.

The 28-year-old three-time Paris-Roubaix winner failed a dope test for cocaine last month. It was his second positive out-of-competition test for the recreational stimulant in 12 months.

A positive out-of-competition test for cocaine is not subject to sporting sanctions, according to World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

“He is still suspended for an unspecified period of time,“ Quick Step said in a statement. “We are looking at the possibility of a heavy fine. It will be communicated in due course when Tom is ready to get back to competition.

“It is not exactly an addiction. He is not a ‘slave’ to the substance but he uses it sporadically in specific circumstances.”

Boonen, the 2005 world road race champion, will have to follow psychological or psychiatric treatment “for at least a year“, Quick Step added.

He will also have to undergo urine tests every two weeks and have a hair sample test at least three times in the coming year. — Reuters

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