World champion wants winning bonuses, former team wants exit fee

Belgian classics king Philippe Gilbert was none too pleased Monday to learn from the media that his team was merging with Quick Step next year.

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

REDON, France (VN) — Omega Pharma-Lotto made it clear from the first few kilometers of the 2011 Tour de France that the Belgian squad is here to race. With one stage win already in the bag, Omega is looking for more victories, plus a stint in the green jersey and a podium spot in Paris.

Former Silence-Lotto rider Wim Vansevenant has acknowledged that a package seized by customs officials two weeks ago contained doping products destined for him.

Omega-Pharma for the Tour de France

• Gilbert Philippe (B)
• Andre Greipel (G)
• Sebastian Lang (G)
• Jurgen Roelandts (B)
• Marcel Sieberg (G)
• Jurgen van den Broeck (B)
• Jurgen van de Walle (B)
• Jelle Vanendert (B)
• Frederik Willems (B)

Omega Pharma-Lotto brings a mixed squad of stage-hunters as star riders André Greipel and Philippe Gilbert are giving the Giro d’Italia a pass.

The Omega Pharma-Lotto team announced Thursday that it had fired Matthew Lloyd for "recent incidents during the first races disputed in 2011."

Omega Pharma-Lotto enters the 2011 season with high expectations.

Omega Pharma-Lotto has been catching flack due its lackluster season that has included a paltry four victories.