The 2012 and 2013 seasons have truly been a tale of two entirely different years for Belgian champion Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quick Step).

Boonen enjoyed possibly his best season to date in 2012 when sweeping almost everything in sight at the cobbled classics. The 32-year-old won E3 Harelbeke, Gent-Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix almost at will but his latest crash in Sunday’s Tour of Flanders is yet another stumbling block for the rider who has been almost completely luckless this season.

As if crashing out of the race he has won three times in the past (2005, 2006 and 2012) was not enough, Tom Boonen faces the grim prospect of missing out on his favourite race, Paris-Roubaix, this weekend. In fact, having to forfeit his beloved Paris-Roubaix is a bit too much for Boonen.

“It was bad enough already having to watch the final of Tour of Flanders on television,” said Boonen to La Dernière Heure. “So I think I will not watch Paris-Roubaix. It's too painful,” said the incumbent Belgian champion who crashed barely 19 km into the de Ronde.

Crashes, illness and an infection in his elbow have so far marred Boonen's season and having to effectively forfeit both Flanders and Roubaix will no doubt cast a shadow over on the remainder of his 2013 season.

“Sunday's Ronde and Paris-Roubaix are the two most enjoyable days of the year and my season depends on a few of these races,” said Boonen. “Unfortunately you're not immunized against a fall like I had on Sunday. I ran up against a sign and was immediately stopped.”

Boonen has not decided when he will resume his season but is expected to take a rest after an already trouble plagued spring season before building up for his later season objectives.

On Sunday you can follow the action from Paris-Roubaix live here on Cyclingquotes.com