Allan Davis will not be racing for the Belgian Quick Step team next season for financial reasons. He has not found a new team yet.
The Australian has become too expensive for Quick Step after co-sponsor Specialized pulled out, according to Wielerflits. Merckx has stepped in as bicycle supplier for the team.
Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere said yesterday that he is leaving enough room in the budget for Spaniard Alberto Contador and three teammates of his choosing when the two parties resume talks for 2011.
Davis may still ride on Specialized, as the Astana team of Contador is named as one of his potential teams. Specialized pulled out from Quick Step and supports Astana now. There is also a chance that Davis will join his brother Scott at Fly V Australia. The team's goal is to ride in the Tour de France in a few years.
Davis is a strong sprinter who frequently is found near the top of the points classifications. He also won the Tour Down Under overall in January.
Davis started his pro career at Mapei-Quick Step in 2001. He then switched to Once before moving to Liberty Seguros. His name was briefly mentioned in the Puerto affair. While cleared again, he had a hard time finding a team in 2008, but eventually snatched up a contract with Quick Step again.