Belgian rider Tom Boonen has withdrawn from the Tour de France ahead of the 15th stage because of sickness, his Quick Step team said on Sunday.

The Paris-Roubaix champion vomitted during the night and had a fever, according to the team.

The 28-year-old Belgian sprint specialist was controversially re-admitted to the Tour at the last minute after being initially sidelined by organisers because of a second positive test for cocaine.

After Saturday’s 14th stage, he was sitting in 148th place in the overall standings, 1hour 38:42min behind yellow jersey holder Rinaldo Nocentini.