Hans van Kasteren will definitively leave his posiiton as manager of Telenet-Fidea. The 60-year-old Dutchman already planned to step down in 2011. "But this time it's serious," he tells Het Nieuwsblad.

''I want to take not one, but two steps back," Van Kasteren continues. "And yes, I have had conversations with interested candidates. I sat with four parties around the table. I've already deleted one of the four. This means that there remain three candidates. Money is not the issue. I don't choose the highest bid. It will be primarily be a decision based on the substance. The person to whom I hand over the leadership of Telenet-Fidea, must be prepared to continue my work with respect for the priorities I have had for years: focus on youth and strive for excellence. Those who provides the greatest added value, have the best chance. "

In 2011 Van Kasteren already want to step down from his position when he lost Zdenek Stybar and Kevin Pauwels. "The contract with Telenet and Fidea run until December 31, 2017. Therefore it is therefore important that the chosen person can deal with our sponsors and our sponsors must agree with my choice. One of the candidates is currently active in road cycling, another candidate is more concerned with organizing races. Let's say that the names are not obvious. In the coming months we will have further talks so that I can step down on March 1, at the end of the current cyclocross season."