Lars Boom won't start the Tour de France tomorrow according to a report in French newspaper L'Equipe. The Dutchman has returned cortisol levels below the normal level. Under the agreement with the MPCC (Movement for Credible Cycling) he would not be allowed to start, although the test is not necessarily an indication that a rider has violated anti-doping rules.

For the UCI low cortisol value is no reason to keep a rider out of competitition, but the MPCC has stricter rules. According to the organization, a rider with low cortisol levels has to stay inactive for eight days. A low cortisol values ​​could indicate poor health.

Astana team leader Alexandre Vinokourov has asked to be allowed to replace Boom for the Tour. However, the organizers do not permit to bring in a replacement so close to the start. "Either we will be allowed to bring in a replacement or Boom will be at the start," Vinokourov is reported to have said.

Astana is a member of the MPCC but does not have to comply with the requirements of the organization.

Earlier this year George Bennett was unable to start the Giro due the same rules while Theo Bos had to skip the 2013 Vuelta for similar reasons.