Omega Pharma merges with Quick Step for 2012

Omega Pharma is joining the Quick Step team as a sponsor for the 2012 and 2013 season, Quick Step announced Monday.

Photo: Graham Watson

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2011 Clasica San Sebastian, Gilbert wins
Omega Pharma has had a brilliant season, mostly thanks to Philippe Gilbert, who is rumored to be talking to other teams for 2012.

Omega Pharma is joining the Quick Step team as a sponsor for the 2012 and 2013 season, Quick Step announced Monday.

it’s not clear from the team statement whether any management or riders will move over from the Omega Pharma-Lotto team to the Quick Step team, or whether Omega is simply becoming another sponsor of the team.

The team will be managed by Quick Step’s current manager, Patrick Lefevere and named Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step. The Quick-Step flooring company has agreed to support the team for the next three years as co-sponsor. Innergetic will remain as an official partner of the team for the next season.

“We are very pleased with the deal we reached with Omega Pharma/BCC, as much as we are about Quick Step’s renewal as co-sponsor and Innergetic as official partner,” Lefevere said. “I would like to thank everyone involved for their professionalism during the negotiations.”

“With this agreement, we continue to invest in a Belgian team, reinforced with international talent,” said Marc Coucke, CEO of Omega Pharma “As in previous years, our goal is to be one of the top teams in the WorldTour.”

Omega Pharma’s Philippe Gilbert is having a brilliant season. He told VeloNews this weekend that he is considering a team switch for 2012.

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