It's official: Peter Van Petegem will leave the Davitamon-Lotto team, where he has ridden since 2002. The team management stated that it has decided to invest in more young talent, as well as keeping its current crop of successful foreigners like Robbie McEwen, Chris Horner and Cadel Evans. While riding for Davitamon, Van Petegem won some of the most prestigious classics: Het Volk (2002), Ronde Van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix (2003). However, he has not won a race since his famous Roubaix victory three years ago.
Given his strong Belgian roots and his desire to ride for a Belgian ProTour team, the most logical choice for Van Petegem is Quick.Step-Innergetic. "I can't deny that we have talked with Van Petegem," said Quick.Step manager Patrick Lefevere to VRT. "On a sporting level, were are interested, but the financial aspect must also work. We will see what comes out of it. Soon, I'll also have a talk with my sponsors. If they are prepared to do it, then we can negotiate a transfer. Personally, I am not in a hurry."
