Quick Step to the top

Team Quick Step took the lead in the individual and team rankings this month, and also saw Stijn Devolder and Wouter Weylandt return to training after injuries.

Allan Davis became the year's first leader in the UCI's world ranking, based on his three stage wins and overall title in the Tour Down Under. Those results also gave the Belgian ProTour team the lead in the team rankings.

"We're extremely satisfied," said team manager Patrick Lefevere. "It's a matter of great pride to be ahead in these standings."

Both Devolder and Weylandt returned to training over the weekend after recovering from injuries which sent them home from the team's Spanish training camp. Devolder flew home the middle of the month with pain in his left knee. A week of rest has solved the problem.

Weylandt had problems with his foot, knee and hamstring. He is now back on schedule to ride the Tour of Qatar, which starts this coming weekend.(SW)