Peter Van Petegem is ready

Davitamon-Lotto rider Peter Van Petegem was working hard in the finale of Dwars door Vlaanderen for his sprinter Robbie McEwen; but when crunch came to punch he didn't have the legs to take the race into his own hands.

"Before the race really started, the team was already decapitated," Van Petegem told VUM's Freddy De Geest after the finish; referring to the crash before the Eikenberg. "To really take control of the race, we didn't have enough men in the front. On the Trieu a group rode away and after that we were left chasing."

Van Petegem stressed the fact that he is ready for his big week; although he is suffering from a painful knee. "My left knee is playing up. The cold weather is the culprit. In the start of the race the legs felt heavy, but that is due to old age I guess," he joked.

"I'm not doubting myself, I leave that up to others. I'm ready for my races. The day I start doubting, I stop racing. But we're not there yet. I saw a strong Davitamon-Lotto team at work in Waregem. Gert Steegmans is where he has to be. Bert Roesems proved that we can count on him when the ungrateful work at the front needs to be taken care of."