Belgian cyclist Boonen barred from this year’s Tour de France after positive cocaine test

Tour bans Tom Boonen after positive cocaine test

PARIS — Race organizers say Belgian cycling star Tom Boonen will not be welcome at this year’s Tour de France after his latest positive drug test.

The 28-year-old former world champion tested positive for cocaine last month for the second time in less than a year. Boonen has been fined and suspended indefinitely by his Quick Step team and risks a suspension of up to six months from cycling’s world governing body.

Christian Marchadier, a spokesman for Tour de France organizers ASO, said Wednesday that Boonen will not be permitted to compete in this year’s race.

The ASO also banned Boonen from the Tour last year, saying his presence would have marred the race’s image.