Belgian rider channels his inner politician when quizzed on Trek link

Edward Theuns looks to be joining Trek Factory Racing in 2016, if speculation in Belgian papers is to be believed, and the rider himself took on the air of a politician by refusing to deny the link.

The 24-year-old has understandably attracted the attention of the WorldTour thanks to his performances for Topsport-Vlaanderen Baloise this season, with a host of top-10 finishes to his name.

But speaking to television crews before the Halle-Ingooigem race in Belgium on Wednesday, Theuns said he couldn't deny the rumours, but also couldn't confirm them until the UCI's signing window opens on August 1.

"I have also read in the paper this morning," Theuns told Sporza television before Wednesday's Halle-Ingooigem race. "Whether I deny it, I deny nothing, but before August 1 nothing can be signed.

"It is yet to be seen where I sign. But again...I deny nothing."

In the trade, this type of denial is known as a non-denial denial - made famous by the likes of Bill Clinton when he denied the affair with Monica Lewinski, of course.

While in sport, the "I've never failed a drugs test" denial made by Lance Armstrong is one of the more memorable non-denial denials.

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Theuns has claimed second-place finishes in both Dwars Door Vlaanderen, Rund um Koln and Scheldeprijs this season, with top-10 places in four stage races, including the recent Ster ZLM Toer.

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