Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) sustained a fractured rib in his crash in the first stage of the Tour of Poland on Tuesday. The Belgian champion came down in a crash, which also involved Dutch champion teammate Niki Terpstra and Liquigas-Cannondale’s Fabio Sabatini. The other two riders had abandoned on the spot, but Boonen continued the race before pulling out in yesterday’s tough fifth stage.
He complained of pain in the right side of his chest, but expected to know more on his return to Belgium today. He visited the specialist Herentals Clinic today, where a fracture of the sixth rib on his right side was identified.
Boonen will take three days of complete rest, before returning to training on Thursday. He will then assess the situation with the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team’s medical staff, and decide whether or not to take part in the five-day Tour de la Region Wallonie prior to the Olympic Games.
“There's nothing more to do than wait and see how the situation will evolve,” Boonen said of his predicament. “I'm sad because my condition is good and I really don't want to lose the chance to participate in the Olympics.
“On Thursday I will have the answer that I'm waiting for.”
Boonen would be one of the favourites for a medal in the London 2012 race on July 28th, which - like the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Gent-Wevelgem, which he won in April - suits a good sprinter that can stay in front after the hilly Box Hill circuits.