Knee problem for Devolder

Stijn Devolder had some problems with his left knee during team Quick Step's training camp in Spain. The winner of the 2008 Ronde Van Vlaanderen has pain in his left kneecap after a fall he took while training in Belgium last week. Devolder didn't take part in Wednesday's training, and Thursday he only pedaled for about an hour, returning to the hotel in Benicassim by car.

Devolder will return to Belgium, where he will undergo a series of tests. He will also rest for a period of 10 days.

"It's a real pity. This problem is going to slow my preparation," Devolder said. "But in agreement with the medical staff, I don't want to take any risk. I take comfort in the fact that it's better to have this kind of problem at the beginning of the season, rather than when the races are in full swing."