Saxo Bank denies Schleck transfer rumours

The Saxo Bank team has denied that its star rider, Andy Schleck, is in talks with Lance Armstrong's new RadioShack team. Spokesman Brian Nygaard told Cyclingnews on Tuesday that the rumour, reported by L'Equipe, was not true.

Schleck, who placed second in the Tour de France and stood on the podium as best young rider overall, has a contract with the team of Bjarne Riis through the 2010 season. The report on his negotiations with Armstrong's team also stated that Schleck wished to take his elder brother Frank along, but Nygaard confirmed that both brothers are still under contract until the end of next year.

Nygaard said there is no option for another team to buy the Schlecks out of their contracts.

"He has a contract with Saxo Bank for 2010 and is not going anywhere. Obviously the team also hopes that he will stay with beyond next year."

Teams and riders are, by UCI regulations, forbidden to discuss transfers until September 1. Rule 2.15.125 states "Riders and UCI ProTeams may not, before 1 September, reveal that they are involved in negotiations about renewal of their contracts or transfers.

Upon complaint by a prejudiced team or any third party with a legitimate interest, the rider is liable to a fine of CHF 2000.00 and the UCI ProTeam to a fine of CHF 5000.00."