After this last weekends’ two Belgian races, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Tom Boonen was irritated by being so closely marked.
“It’s always the same thing. If I move a finger, I have half the peloton on my back watching me. It’s my lot and I have to accept it,” said Boonen.
That doesn’t mean Tornado Tom isn’t taking evasive action — or in this case, a bit of subterfuge and disguise. Now in training for Tirreno-Adriatico (March 9-15), Boonen is rumored to be toying with the idea of wearing a full beard and oversize sun-glasses to confuse his rivals.
“It’s not decided, it’s still under discussion but I must say, you would never know it’s Tomke under the beard. It could be Chavanel or Steegmans under there,” said Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere.
Boonen has also been in phone consultation with Colleen Atwood, who just won the Oscar for best costume design for the film Alice in Wonderland. She is reportedly giving make-up advice as well.
Are Philippe Gilbert and Fabian Cancellara prepared to deal with a Boonen in disguise?
He should consider disguising himself as Jacky Durand… The peloton would spot him a 15 min lead…by the time realize Jacky has actually been retired since '04…too late…solo victory….Next race disguise himself as Ludo Dierckxsens…and so on…with the right selection of wigs, doo rags, & retro jerseys…I smell a stellar campaign from Tommy in '11.
Now if this plan fails… he could always announce to the peloton that he's gonna chase down Simeoni and teach him a lesson about "spitting in the soup" (and once again, by the time they realize there is no Simeoni in the field)….
Mick, these are good ideas. I've already forwarded them to Patrick Lefevere at Quick Step. He may get in touch with you for follow-up. Matt