In his search for a new team, Philippe Gilbert has had talks with Etixx-QuickStep. After the national time trial championships in Mol-Postel, Gilbert had a conversation with team manager Patrick Lefevere. "If someone asks me if we could have a talk, I am ready," Lefevere told Sporza.

Is Etixx-QuickStep interested in Philippe Gilbert, who is leaving BMC at the end of the season? "There are as many as 100 riders who want to ride in my team," team manager Patrick Lefevere said.

"If someone asks me if we can have a talk, I am ready. The conversation was requested by Gilbert. But there is certainly no signed contract.

"Whether there will be more contact? I will go to the Tour, Gilbert won't. But there are other means such as telephone and e-mails."