Kevin van Impe (Quickstep) covered in dust (Image credit: Luc Claessen)
Kevin Van Impe extended his contract on Wednesday with Team Quick Step. The Belgian rider will continue riding with the team through the next two seasons until the end of 2011.
"Reaching an agreement with the team really means a lot to me," said the 28-year-old from Aalst on the eve of racing the Kortemark kermesse.
"2009 was a terribly unlucky year for me. The team's renewal makes me very happy," he said. "I'd like to thank the technical staff and team manager Patrick Lefevere for the faith they've placed in me. The team is like my second family."
"Now I can focus entirely on the work I need to do. My left knee doesn't hurt any more and my morale is high." Impe dropped out of the Tour of Belgium due to pain in his left knee.
"The team's technical staff thought it was right to give Kevin another chance," said Lefevere. "Because he's had problems with his left knee lately, he hasn't been able to totally express his own worth and the qualities he displayed in the beginning of the season with the splendid victory in the Dwars door Vlaanderen. Kevin will continue to undergo rehab."
Van Impe won the Dwars door Vlaanderen in March. Before joining Quick Step for 2006, he rode for Chocolade Jacques-T Interim (2005) and Lotto-Domo (2002-2004).
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Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.
