Main job will remain as Directeur Sportif for Team Sky
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Steven De Jongh was chilled before the start.(Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
The always valuable team-mate, Steven De Jongh (Quick Step).(Image credit: Isabelle Duchesne)
Dutchman Steven De Jongh (Quick Step) landed the 39th fastest time.(Image credit: Elmar Krings)
Steven de Jongh is looking for the best of both worlds in 2011, both on the bike and in the team car. In addition to his duties as a directeur sportif for Team Sky, the Dutchman will also ride as an elite without contract for the amateur team Illi-Bikes Cycling Team.
“In adding Steven as captain, we have a rider with a lot of experience in our ranks who can assist the youngsters in our team,” said Ken Ilegems, a former pro who also rides with the team
“I will ride when I have enough time,” de Jongh told Het Nieuwsblad. “I still ride a lot and I love it.”
“My main job will still be as a sports director at Team Sky, but once a week, when I'm free, I will do a race.”
He denied that this was the first step towards renewing his pro career. “I have absolutely no intention of making a new start with the pros. But I am still physically good, so why not?"
De Jongh, 36, rode professionally from 1996 until 2009, for TVM-Farm Frites, Rabobank and Quick Step. He then joined Team Sky as a directeur sportif this year.
Earlier this month he rode the Jan Thiel Criterium in Curacao, where he finished second behind Koos Moerenhout of Rabobank.
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