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Tue 6 Jan, 1:49 pm UTC

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Tom Boonen trial decision set for February

By AFP

Belgian cycling star Tom Boonen will know on February 3 if he has to face criminal charges over his positive test for cocaine, the judge investigating his case in the northern city of Turnhout said today.

Boonen, a former world champion and winner of such prestigious races as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, tested positive for the recreational drug in an out-of-competition test in May last year.

The 28-year-old escaped a sports sanction because the test was not held under the auspices of a sport body.

But his team, Quick Step, were forced to pull him off their Tour de France squad after race organisers expressed concerns.

Boonen was present for Tuesday's procedural audience but told VRT television that "I will only react once a definitive decision has been taken."

According to sources at the prosecutors office Boonen risks between three months and five years in prison and a fine of between 1,000 and 100,000 euros.

Boonen, who recently returned to live in Belgium from Monaco, admitted to cocaine use in June and tried to win back fans' support with a public apology.

User Comments

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  • I'm curious to know exactly what the charge is and how the court intends to prove a crime without evidence of possession or possibly even consumption within its jursidiction. In the States, Boonen would face no legal sanction whatsoever, unless on parole for a prior drugs conviction.

  • But this isn't the States.

  • Another Pantani wanna-be, history repeats itself. He knows were he is going to end. I am very dissapointed, such a beautiful sport and to stain it stupidly, what an idiot!

  • Boonen a Pantani wanna-be ? Dont think so.

    Looks to me like he's just been living with the 'in crowd' and done something stupid.

    I cant see that a bit of recreational cocaine would stain the lily white sport of cycling !

    Something like 750,000 people in the UK use Cocaine each year - so its not that unusual.

    I do agree he's an idiot though.

  • boonen and pantani no comparison ! whatever the pirates problems his record standsfor its self . boonens use of the bolivian marching powder is stupid and not the greatest thing he has ever done ! in view of cyclings record concerning drug use cut the guy some slack ! lets hope he has learnt his lesson . by the way how many more times do we have to put up with the whining texan on the front of pro cycling ,guys give us a rest

  • Yes, Pantani's record stands for itself. ALL of his victories were done whilst heavily doped with r-EPO. A record to aspire to and be proud of - NOT!

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