Eeckhout looking for a new team

Niko Eeckhout joins the list of riders looking for a new team. His current team, Topsport Vlaanderen, told the 37 year-old "that I am too old, which shows a lack of class," he said, according to Gazet van Antwerpen. "On the other hand, it doesn't surprise me."

He is not ready to stop riding, though. "I am still too good to stop. There are already some teams that are interested in me." 'Rambo' Eeckhout added, "It is Vlaanderen's right to not want me, but the manner in which they did it was not good."

Team Manager Christophe Sercu said, "Even if I have worked well with Niko for more than ten years, his time is up. Vlaanderen is definitely now more than ever working with young riders. Unfortunately, a man of almost 38 no longer fits in that profile." (SW)

(Additional editorial assistance provided by Susan Westemeyer)