De Jongh's diagnosis: out for six weeks

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Steven De Jongh (Quick Step) has finally received a diagnosis for the pain he's been experiencing since a fall at last month's Tour of Qatar. After visiting the Herentals Clinic earlier this week, the Belgian squad has announced he has torn a bicep femoris muscle.

De Jongh will undergo surgery this Friday at the Herentals Clinic, where doctors will stitch up the torn muscle. The surgery means he will be unable to train for some six weeks.

"This is a tough blow for Steven, and for the entire team," said team manager Patrick Lefevere. "We've lost a great rider for the cobblestone classics and a professional mentor for the less experienced riders in the team. However we're sure that Steven will be working to get better and get back to giving his all to the team as soon as possible."

De Jongh has already missed the opening semi-classics of the spring racing season. The rider was unable to take part in last weekend's Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

"It's hard times for me," explained De Jongh. "At the beginning I was hoping the injury wasn't so serious. The only thing left for me to do is to keep the faith and do whatever it takes to recuperate 100 percent. Either way I'm going to try to contribute by staying in close contact with the team during the most important races of the season."