Boonen to race Giro d'Italia

Once known as the King of the Cobbles, Tom Boonen will line up at the Giro d'Italia after missing the Classics season due to injury.

Tom Boonen will make a return to racing at the Tour of Turkey in preparation for the Giro d'Italia. (Getty Images)

The Belgian, who has seven Monument wins to his name, missed the cobbled Classics after crashing during the opening stage of Paris-Nice where he dislocated his AC joint.

The Etixx-Quick-Step rider will make his return to racing at the Tour of Turkey this month in preparation for the Giro d'Italia where he will ride in support of Rigoberto Uran.

I'm very excited to start the next part of the season," said Boonen.

"It will be nice to go to the Tour of Turkey, a race I've never done before and see what happens. For sure I will be suffering a little bit, but it will be useful for the Giro.

"As for the Giro, I'm happy to be at the start for the first time in my career to support the team strategy in function of Rigo. This is also a really nice new experience for me. I haven't raced a lot in Italy in my career due to conflicts with my big objectives. Now, I have that chance. I know I have a lot of supporters in Italy. The Giro has great tradition and it will be great to race there and fight for the Maglia Rosa together with Uran."

SBS will broadcast every stage of the Giro d'Italia live.