De Jongh extends Quick Step deal

Steven De Jongh has extended his contract with the Quick Step ProTour team for another year, the team announced Tuesday afternoon. The 34 year-old has had a strong season in 2008, winning the Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne earlier in the season.

"We are very satisfied with this agreement," said Team Manager Patrick Lefevere. "Steven is an important part of our train for the sprints and he also showed that he is able to win the races when he has the responsibility of the team."

De Jongh knocked back offers from rival teams to stay with the Belgian squad, he said. After spending five years at the Dutch Rabobank squad, De Jongh moved to the Quick Step squad in 2006.

"I had several proposals for other teams but I chose Quick Step because my heart is with the team, with Tom [Boonen] and the rest of the guys," he said. "Everybody in this team works very hard to reach the objectives."

The Alkmaar-born rider made his professional debut with TVM in 1995. The previous year de Jongh claimed four victories as an amateur, including a stage of Australia's Commonwealth Bank Classic.