De Jongh eyeing Worlds

Steven De Jongh of Quick Step is showing good form and won the G.P. De Rijke, a UCI 1.1 rated event. The strong Dutchman rider beat German Eric Baumann and the Slovenian Kristjan Koren in a sprint finale. De Jongh dreams of making the Dutch National Team for the Worlds in Varese.

De Jongh was satisfied with another win this year. "It's my third victory so far in the season after the TTT in the Tour of Qatar and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne." The Dutchman saw a general improvement with his fitness. "I'm very happy not only because of the result but also because in the last weeks I have been riding well and my condition is improving day by day."

De Jongh is happy to spend another year with Quick Step. "I have to thank all the team that worked a lot to catch a long breakaway. They controlled the race splendidly. In the last kilometre Steegmans kept the speed high and launched me perfectly. The victory was a consequence of their work."

Getting a good level of fitness is essential for De Jongh, who plans to target the Worlds. "My dream for the last part of the season is to try to be selected for the World Championship in Varese. I like the parcours and I would like to be useful for the National Team after my last experience in 2003."