Tom Boonen's parents André and Agnes were watching the Paris-Nice first stage on TV, when their son crashed out of the race mainly due to a lack of concentration. As they revealed Belgian media, they feared that is was the end of a professional career of the Etixx-Quick Step rider seconds after he hit the deck.

„The first thing which came to mind was that it was over, it was the end of his career,” Andre Boonen told Sporza. „Fortunately, he crashed on his left side, not right.”

„Tom has been already suffering because of his previous injuries to his right shoulder. It he sustained another one, he wouldn't be able to continue.”

„It's done, irreversible. It will take a one month or two before he is well and back in the saddle again, I think. Fortunately there are World Championships in Richmond in the end of September. He can live by this thought.”