Iljo Keisse finally made his way to the Omega Pharma-QuickStep squad for 2012
Belgian cyclist, Iljo Keisse is the newest inclusion in the Omega Pharma-Quick Step squad, the cyclist officially made the announcement through his twitter page today.
He was overjoyed on signing up with the team, "Fantastic news! So proud being part of the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team next year!”
Keisse joined his first professional squad, Team Chocolade Jacques-T Interim, in 2005 and stayed with the Belgian side through 2008.
He then moved to Team Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator and was fired by the team on January 11, 2009, because of doping allegations.
The cyclist then joined John Saey-Deschacht-Huyandai Team in May 2009. He was cleared from the charges on November 2, 2009, after investigators revealed that the positive results were because of the food supplements consumed by the cyclist.
World Anti-Doping Agency filed an appeal against Iljo’s innocence that was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on July 7, 2010. Hence, the cyclist had to face a ban and was not allowed to ride until August 2011.
Belgian Court of Appeals overturned Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision and allowed the cyclist to ride at the Six Days of Ghent 2010.
Iljo was desperate to find a new home for himself as he was amongst the only few cyclists left without a team.
During a recent interview, he had told Sporza.de, “I've still not signed. But I hope that something will appear soon, so I can get rid of that uncertainty”.
He further added, "Quick Step still has a place available. I've always felt comfortable on the team, despite the difficult period. If they give me another chance, then I will take it”.
The cyclist can now relax as he has found his dream team and should focus on the season ahead. He will ride along a strong line-up of the newly merged Omega Pharma-QuickStep squad in 2012.
The Belgian will be accompanied by Tony Martin, Martin Velits, Peter Velits, Sylvain Chavanel, Tom Boonen, Michal Golas, and Andy Fenn in the season ahead.
Keisse is considered to be a specialist in both, track and road race disciplines, and also holds gold, silver and a bronze medal to his credit.
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