AFP - Belgian cycling star Tom Boonen has been banned from competing in the Tour de France following his positive drug test for cocaine, organisers ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) announced on Thursday.
  
The 28-year-old tested positive for cocaine in April, less than a year after he first tested positive for the drug in May 2008.
  
However, there was some good news for Boonen as the sport's governing body the International Cycling Union (UCI) annoucned they would be taking no disciplinary action against him for the positive cocaine test.
  
"Finally, the UCI Management Committee has decided not to institute disciplinary proceedings against Mr Tom Boonen for having allegedly taken cocaine out of competition, after the Belgian rider supplied a number of elements in his defence," read a statement from the UCI.
  
The Quick Step rider, the winner of major one-day classics and Tour de France stages, may also face disciplinary proceedings from the sport's ruling body the UCI (International Cycling Union).
  
Boonen's team have backed him and previously promised to provide legal support if he was refused entry to the Tour.
  
"The sporting and economic damage for team and sponsors (which would arise from) the absence of Tom in the biggest race of the year are incalculable," said Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere.
  
Lefevere had threatened to demand millions of euros in compensation if his rider was excluded.