Van Petegem operated on

Quick.Step beckons

Peter van Petegem has undergone an operation to remove three cysts, that have prevented him from sitting in the saddle properly. "If I waited another three weeks, then maybe I would have had to forget the world championship," he told Het Nieuwsblad. "That world championship, over a month and a half, is still possible.

"The recovery phase is crucial. Some say to me that I can train again after two weeks, others say that it will be at least a month. And I know the story of Freire. He suffered nearly a year like this. But I should not get back on the bike too quickly."

The 36 year-old will concentrate on his recovery for next year, when he will almost certainly ride for Quick.Step. "My manager Paul de Geyter only has to smooth out some edges," he said. "He only needs me to put a scribble under a contract for one season."

Van Petegem has yet to decide whether 2007 will be his last year as a pro.