tcklyde said:No doubt, it is a warmup race for Boonen, and not the biggest victory. As someone pointed out -- Lim, I think -- the man has a tough schedule.
Nonetheless, come on. Paris-Nice ain't chopped liver. It's been around for over half a century and a lot of people work hard to make it a good event and a serious and prestigious race. No doubt, many previous winners and planners of the race don't think of it as nothing but training fodder for MSR.
Boonen started the last stage. So why not finish it? Pulling out devalues the points jersey in the race and makes it less likely future points jerseys will matter.
YES! I agree.
However, ASO is sooo glad Lance is gone they are very glad to have a racer of Boonen's class at their races, hell money is probably exchanged if not personal sexual favors from Jean Marie LeBlanc for Boonen to show up.
Boonen is classy, talented, not American, and no hint of scandal...yet.
So while his behavior is boorish, and has a touch of Cipo about it (the way Cipo always blew off the green jersey competition and the Champs by abandoning and the frechies got very tired of this and kept him out of the race) for right now they will take Tom Boonen thank you very much.