Belgian super team Quick Step has changed its Tour de France line-up at the eleventh hour. Kevin Van Impe, who was to make his Tour debut this weekend, has been removed from the squad while Italian Mauro Facci has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.
"It was a technical decision," sports director Wilfried Peeters told Sporza. "Facci has been really impressive in recent times.
"This is unfortunate for Kevin, but the season is still long and I am sure that he will still show us what he is capable of," he added.
This decision brings the number of Belgians down from 13 to 12. Quick Step has Belgians Stijn Devolder, Sébastien Rosseler, Gert Steegmans and Jurgen Van de Walle, while Silence-Lotto has Mario Aerts, Christophe Brandt, Leif Hoste, Wim Vansevenant and Johan Van Summeren. Française des Jeux has Philippe Gilbert, Cofidis Maxime Monfort and Liquigas Frederik Willems.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
