PARIS: Belgian Tom Boonen's participation in the Tour de France looked in jeopardy after the former world champion was suspended by his Quick Step team on Saturday for failing an out-of-competition test for cocaine.

Although the use of cocaine is subject to sporting sanctions only during competition, three-time Paris-Roubaix winner Boonen, 28, was banned by his team.

"The test, which was positive for cocaine, was carried out by the Flemish authorities," team spokesman Alessandro Tegner said. "It was about two weeks ago."