Quick Step withdraws from AIGCP

The Quick Step team joined in the exodus of teams from the International Association of Professional Cycling Teams (AIGCP). The team's director Patrick Lefevere, who was the president of the AIGCP until last December and is still the president of International Professional Cycling Teams (IPCT), announced the decision.

"The difference between the professional teams and those of the ProTour is too great. Both the budgets and the standards that the teams must meet are too excessive and difficult to cover," said Lefevere. Quick Step joins Liquigas, Milram, Caisse d' Epargne, Astana and Saunier Duval in leaving the AIGCP.

Earlier this week, all 20 teams invited to the Tour de France, including 17 ProTour Teams, signed a participation agreement with the organiser Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO). All members of the AIGCP agreed with clauses including a possible fine of 100,000 euro in case of a positive doping test occurring during the three-week Grand Tour.