Addy Engels
Engels was one of the stars in today’s breakaway. “The first part of the race was ridden at a high speed. I managed to get into the good break, among those of us in the head group there was excellent collaboration. When Van Garderen accelerated the first time I wasn’t able to handle the rhythm. I paid for the initial high speed.” 

Dries Devenyns 
The Belgian rider had a great race, closing out in 6th place. “I’m very satisfied with my stage. After yesterday’s fall I thought I’d be suffering more, but instead today my legs were spinning really well. I kept up with the best and at about 300 metres from the finish line when Gilbert made his move I tried to respond by playing all my cards. But at the moment Gilbert is in a whole different class. It’s a sixth place, however, that gives me more conviction in my means. My legs are good and looking forward to the next stages.” 

Kevin De Weert 
Kevin closed the stage today in 36th place, 33 seconds behind the winner. He actually holds the 16th position in the general classification. “I’m happy because I didn’t lose much on the first guys in an arrival more adapted to riders who are more snappy, more explosive than me. After a week of racing I’m in a good position in the general classification. I’m happy and I’m looking forward optimistically to the next stages, which will be fundamental for the overall standings.” 

Jerome Pineau was an unfortunate player in the stage. At about 5 kilometres from the arrival Pineau had to say good bye to any possibility of victory due to a flat back wheel. “It’s too bad because my legs were really good. I really hope that this bad luck is now behind us and that I can try something in the next stages,” explained Pineau. 

Sylvain Chavanel closed out 114th, more than 11 minutes back. “In the first hours of the race things didn’t go too bad. But in the final I was tired and feeling some pain. So I preferred to climb at my own pace and save some precious energy.”

27-Jun-2011: Quick-Step Cycling Team is pleased to announce contract renewals for Dries Devenyns, Kristof Vandewalle and Guillaume Van Keirsbulck.


All 3 of the team’s athletes will wear the Quick-Step Cycling Team jersey through the end of the 2013 season.

“Dries, Kristof and Guillaume are three athletes who have different skills, who’ve proven their worth and have always been team players,” explained Team Manager Patrick Lefevere. “This is also one of the reasons they’re a part of our work project. We’re counting on them a lot, both for the present as well as the immediate future. These athletes are young talent that are essential to our team’s strategy”.