Wynants renews and Kvist joins Team Quick Step

Maarten Wynants renewed his contract with Team Quick Step for an additional two years through 2010. Wynants won his team's continued support after classics like Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Amstel Gold Race. The young Belgian has been with Team Quick Step since 2006

"I'm very happy with the opportunity and faith the team has given me," said the 26 year-old Belgian. "My goal is to further grow and mature, to be worthy of the faith the team has bestowed on me."

Neo-pro Thomas Kvist will also join the squad beginning August 1 with a contract that will run through the end of 2010. The 20 year-old Danish racer, drew notice after he won a stage and the overall at the Gran Prix de Nations in Canada, an important international U23 race. He also was having a good race at the Giro delle Regioni in April – at least until he had to withdraw due to a fractured clavicle.

"He's a rider we've been following for a while and who already integrated with the team last winter, participating in the two team retreats," said Team Manager Patrick Lefevere. "Now he'll have the time to grow and mature gradually as part of the team."