Omega Pharma and Quick Step ready to dominate the new season after merging in to Omega Pharma-Quick Step
The two teams, Omega Pharma and Quick Step, have merged to form a single team for 2012. It will be the second merger of the season, after Leopard Trek and RadioShack joined hands to become RadioShack-Nissan-Trek for 2012.
Tom Boonen will ride for the new team, Omega Pharma-Quick Step, for the coming season. He has been associated with the team since a long time, as he joined Team Quick
Step-Davitamon in 2003.
The Belgian considers himself lucky to be a part of such a strong and balanced side.
He told Sporza, "The team has changed in a good way. We had our first meeting last week and that was very pleasant. Now that we know Cavendish won't join us, we will use the riders that we have differently and I will be much more supported in the finale
of races".
Tom is eyeing the Spring Classics in the coming season and is hopeful to repeat his previous performances.
He won the Paris-Roubaix on three occasions, along with Gent-Wevelgem in March. Boonen had a wonderful Tour of Flanders as he finished the race at 4th position and also won the first stage at the Tour of Qatar 2011.
His career’s best performance was in 2005 when he secured the World Road Race Championship.
Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step has a strong sprinting department that has Gert Steegmans, Francesco Chicci, and Gerald Ciolek.
Tom Boonen and Sylvain Chavanel are one-day race specialists whereas Gerald Ciolek and Gert Steegmans are the sprinters of the team.
Levi Leipheimer and Tony Martin will target the general classifications during the stage races.
Tom appreciated the efforts of the selectors, as he believed that the new team squad consists of the best available riders.
The 31-year-old commented on his form as he said, "I've won a lot in the past so it's not correct to say that 2012 will be my last chance. I've been satisfied with my riding and I want to come back to my former level".
Boonen was unlucky during the current season, as he had quite a few crashes this year.
He had to miss the World Championships, Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana, this year, because of the crashes.
He is hopeful to make an impact in the coming season and make the most out of the strong Omega Pharma-Quick Step line-up.
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