Stijn Vandenbergh will not take the start at the UCI World Championship on Sunday, Sept. 23 because of a problem on his left knee, which requires treatment and a rest period. Dries Devenyns, Omega Pharma - Quick-Step teammate of Vandenbergh and Belgian National Team reserve, will replace Vandenbergh. Devenyns will join OPQS teammates Tom Boonen and Kevin De Weert on the Belgian squad.
"It's a sad moment for me because it was a great season so far," Vandenbergh said. "Worlds is one of the biggest events. I was looking forward to this, to help the team get a good result but now I can't do it. It's a hard moment, but when you defend your nation you have to be 100%, which is not the case now. In agreement with OPQS medical staff and Belgian National Team Coach Carlo Bomans, we made this decision. I hope to recover as best as possible to return to competition as soon as I can. I wish the best to the team for Worlds and hope Dries can make a great race, and be useful for the national team so they can get a good result at Worlds."
"I'm happy to be selected for Worlds," Devenyns said. "It's a big goal. I want to do well on this parcour, it is good for me, so I think I can give a good contribution to the team. It's a shame — life is strange because I take the place of Stijn, who is my teammate, but also a friend. I am sad for him and hope he can recover well. I will try to do my best for the national team, but also for Stijn. I am in good condition after the two races in Canada and I will also ride on Saturday at GP Impanis - Van Petegem. I want to put more kilometers into my legs before a big race like Worlds."
