July 9th, 2010 – Dario Cataldo has renewed his contract with Team QUICK STEP for one year plus option. The Italian rider, born in 1984, will be riding with the squad led by Patrick Lefevere in the 2011 season.

“Cataldo is a young rider who’s continually growing – explains Team Manager Patrick Lefevere – . He’s proved himself as an important component of the team’s economy, especially in stage races, and I hope that in the near future he can excel even further.”

He wore the white jersey as best young rider in the 2009 Tour of Missouri and in the 2010 Giro d’Italia he starred in a brilliant play in the stage at L’Aquila. Cataldo has also recently taken second place in the time trial race at the Italian National Championships.

“I’m really happy to be able to continue my adventure in the QUICK STEP jersey – says Cataldo-. On this team I’ve found the ideal atmosphere in which to work well and I’ve been able to mature both humanly and professionally.”

There’s also a new arrival in the QUICK STEP family. Belgian rider Julien Vermote has signed a contract for one year plus option with Team QUICK STEP. 20 –year-old Vermote comes from Kortrijk and is a specialist in races against the time. The young Belgian rider is actually on the front lines for Team Beveren 2000, a Team QUICK STEP satellite team, where he’s already obtained good results in the Under23 category, including a National Champion’s title in his category’s time trial, which he’ll be defending in August.

“I’m very happy – says Julien Vermote-. I’ll be wearing the Team QUICK STEP jersey, which is a dream come true for me. I’m honoured to be passing on to the pros with one of the strongest Belgian formations in the world. For a Flemish rider like me this is the best. I’ll finish up the season with Team Beveren 2000. This year I’ve already enjoyed two victories and I’ll be trying to obtain more important results. Then starting next season I’ll be available for Team QUICK STEP, trying to stand out and especially learning how to move in the world of professionist.”