Former world champion Tom Boonen has already accepted that he won’t be taking part in this year’s worlds, but he can take consolation from the fact that he appears to be recovering well from his knee problems and should return to racing at the end of next month.
Quick Step team doctor Yvon Van Mol said that things are on schedule after Boonen’s knee surgery on July 15th. “He can now train daily and does training rides in Monaco of two hours without pain or irritation,” he told the Gazet van Antwerpen. “I spoke to him on the phone on Tuesday and he sounded happy.”
Boonen first injured his knee when he fell in the Tour of California. His recovery appeared to be progressing well but he then hit the deck again when Mark Cavendish (HTC Columbia) and Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo Test Team) collided in the Tour de Suisse. That second fall aggravated the joint and meant that he had to cancel his participation in this year’s Tour.
After taking advice, he went under the knife in mid-July and has been working steadily on his rehabilitation ever since.
“After trying to heal Tom’s knee with a series of non-invasive targeted therapies, the operation was a necessary choice,” Van Mol explained at the time. “He will have to rest for at least 3 to 4 weeks before gradually going back to training and eventually getting back into competition. At this time we cannot determine when Tom will be able to return to competition.”
One month on from the operation, he is on that predicted timescale and starting to rebuild his condition. The aim now is to gradually increase the distance and the intensity, coaxing his fitness back before returning to racing in approximately 6 weeks time.
“We hope he can still ride in Franco Belge (starting September 30th) and Paris- Tours,” said Van Mol. “If he can start sooner, that is a real bonus.”
Earlier this month, the doctor told Het Nieuwsblad that he would be satisfied if the rider was simply able to compete before the end of the racing year. “I say that a complete recovery has to be the main focus. From my point of view the level of competition, results and podiums are not important. I am just happy if he races again this season. That way he could start the winter well, with good condition for next year. This seems to be the ideal scenario.”
Boonen won the world championship in Madrid five years ago. While he’ll be frustrated to miss out on competing this year on a course which some predict will be suitable for the sprint specialists, he will have another shot in 2011 as the parcours is reportedly flatter again.