Tom Boonen (Quick.Step - Innergetic) (Image credit: Sirotti)
"The Tour de France was my biggest success this year, although that is not my favourite race," Tom Boonen of Quick.Step-Innergetic has said in looking back at his 2007 season.
In an interview with Sporza, he said that even though he won the Tour's green sprinter's jersey, "I had great difficulty finding my motivation again after the Tour. The Tour de France is a strange small beast that devours much energy. I barely touched my bike for days on end."
He vigorously rebuts claims that he is not a "real sprinter." "Nonsense!" he said, noting that he has beaten "the Freires and Petacchis". He added that "people want to put you in a box. I have won both Classics and sprints, and the people don't know how to classify me."
"I don't want to give up sprinting," the 26 year-old said. "I still enjoy it and my sprint is just now beginning to get good." He noted that "A good sprint preparation is actually of more value to me than the win itself. My second stage win in the Tour this year was a perfect example. But there is still a lot to improve."
He has had his difficulties this season, he noted. "I have fallen a lot this year, but luckily was never seriously injured. Some riders crash 15 times a year. If I fall and hurt my little finger, it's in the newspapers."
Boonen also had personal problems this season. "I had problems with my relationship but that happens to everyone. It didn't break me." He also said that he will be moving out of Monaco. "The move to Monaco was part of the problem. I won't stay here too long. When I left Belgium it was necessary because the 'Boonen mania' had broken out. Now that is over, fortunately."
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