The Quick Step team announced today that they have made a deal that will have them riding on bikes made by the legendary Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx for the next three years. In a press conference team manager Patrick Lefevere announced the move, that came amidst a major shuffle that saw bike manufacturer Specialized move over to the Astana team of Alberto Contador.
"It came very unexpectedly," explained Lefevere to nieuwsblad.be "So far we had no problem with the current U.S. sponsor Specialized, only we no longer shared the same vision. Therefore two days ago we decided to part ways. Then it happened quickly."
VeloNation speculated last week that the two major players in Belgian cycling would come together once again for 2010. Lefevere and Merckx last worked together in 2001 and 2002 with the then Domo-Farm Frites Team led by Johan Museeuw.
“We have had great successes in all the Flemish cycling classics and lots of victories in all great tours. There is no better way to vouch for the top quality of our bikes," explained Merckx.
"Today we are ready again to ride at the front of the pack. In the past I have successfully worked together with Patrick Lefevere with the Domo Farm Frites Team. Therefore, I am very pleased that we are back in a partnership today”, added Merckx, honorary president of Eddy Merckx Cycles.
No details were given about the terms of the Specialized move, but the question still remains as to whether the Astana team, now called Samruk Kazyna, will be granted a ProTour license by the International Cycling Union. The Kazakh team has had ongoing issues when it comes to meeting their financial obligations.