Tom Boonen wants to stay at Etixx, but only if the contract is right

Tom Boonen appears to be stalling on signing a new contract with Etixx-Quick-Step because they want to tie him down for multiple years.

The former world champion told Belgian television programme Cafe Corsari that he wants to sign a one year contract, while Etixx want him to sign for two.

"It is my intention to remain with the team," he said. "The stumbling block is the duration of the contract. I would like to sign for one year instead of two. Then after that year I can see what I want to do."

Boonen endured a tough start to the 2015 season - his 15th at the top level - fracturing his shoulder at Paris-Nice and missing the cobbled Classics season.

He returned in time for the Giro d'Italia but withdrew after stage 13 to ride in the Belgium Tour, where he notched up a stage win and the points classification jersey.

And despite turning 35 on October 15 this year, Boonen says it's easier than ever to motivate himself to ride.

"I notice it is easier to motivate me the older I get - certainly for the races which I enjoy," he added. "I can better focus myself to go to those races than I used to be able to. "