Devolder sticks with Quick Step

Belgian Stijn Devolder, 28, will ride for Quick Step for a further two years. He already had a one-year option for 2009 with the Belgian ProTour team, but reached a better agreement with Wednesday. Devolder met again with Quick Step Manager Patrick Lefevere and the contract will be signed next week.

"I gave my word and it will not change. It is too bad, the Russians were too late," Devolder said, referring to Team Katusha. "I am happy to stay here in this Flemish environment."

Stefano Feltrin of Team Tinkoff Credit Systems, known as Katusha next year, denied that version of the events. He explained to Cyclingnews that the team knew he had an "existing contract" and that it only looks to "free" riders. Katusha's 2009 roaster is expected to be announced September 1.

Devolder rode for Discover Channel from 2004 to 2007 before joining Quick Step this season. He is 2007 Belgian road champion and 2008 Belgian time trial champion. This year he has won the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the Tour of Belgium and the Volta ao Algarve. (SW)