PARIS (AFP) - Belgian superstar Tom Boonen is the major absence from the Quick Step team's Tour de France roster, announced Thursday, due to a recent positive test for cocaine.

The news of Boonen's career setback - which will not lead to sporting sanctions - left Tour de France officials to quickly decide he was not welcome at the July 5-27 race.

The Belgian outfit had hoped for some clemency for the race's reigning green jersey champion (points competition), underlining the fact he tested positive for a recreational drug.

But Quick Step have accepted the Tour owners' (ASO) decision.

"Although we continue to consider what happened to Tom as an extra-sports episode," said team manager Patrick Lefevere, "we also respect the position expressed by the ASO during the meeting held last week in Paris.

"After talking at length with the rider we believe that this is the best solution for Tom and the team. Tom will try to compete for the green jersey next year."

Boonen said: "Obviously I'm very disappointed to miss the start of the Tour.

"I know how much this race means to my team, my sponsors and all my fans. Next year I'm going to come back even more motivated to try again for the green jersey."

Boonen's usual stage win duties will now go to the highly capable sprinter Gert Steegmans, while his Belgian compatriot Stijn Devolder will test his stage race capabilities on the Tour for the first time.

Devolder won the Tour of Flanders one-day classic earlier this season, and is keen to find out whether he has the physique, and mental strength, to become a top contender for the yellow jersey.

Quick Step team for the Tour de France

Carlos Barredo (ESP), Matteo Carrara (ITA), Stijn Devolder (BEL), Steven De Jongh (BEL), Sebastien Rosseler (BEl), Gert Steegmans (BEL), Matteo Tosatto (ITA), Kevin Van Impe (BEL), Jurgen Van de Walle (BEL)