Specialized and Team Quick Step have enjoyed three successful seasons together, and though their relationship still remains strong, they will end their partnership come the 2010 season.

“It is with mutual respect and appreciation for what we have achieved together that Patrick [Lefevere] and I want to announce that Specialized and Quick Step will part ways in 2010,” Specialized Founder and President Mike Sinyard said today. “I truly appreciate all that Patrick and the team have done for our brand and sport.”

Lefevere added, “Over the three years we have been together, no other team has matched our achievements, and Specialized has been a big part of those results by developing bikes and equipment that give the riders a real edge. I want to thank Mike and the Specialized team for their support.”

Over the past three years, Team Quick Step has won more major races than any other team in professional cycling, from the 2007 UCI World Road Race Championships to back‐to‐back victories at both Paris‐Roubaix and Tour of Flanders in 2008 and 2009.

The impact of the relationship has been just as significant off the race course, with the team and riders contributing directly to the development of bikes like the two‐time Paris‐Roubaix winning Roubaix SL2, the Tarmac SL2, and Tarmac SL3.

“The biggest benefit we get from sponsoring pro racing is the ability to build better products because the best riders push us to continually improve and take on new challenges. Team Quick Step has helped us create bikes and equipment that are now available to every rider, straight from the shop. We are so grateful to the team and riders for these contributions,” Sinyard concluded.

Quick Step is going back to their Belgium roots and will be racing on Eddy Merckx frames. Specialized will still be sponsoring two ProTour teams and will be under Alberto Contador with the Astana team.