Updated: Sniper Cycling denies Aqua Blue Sport takeover after Irish team announces deal

The Irish team deleted their tweet and press release announcing Wout van Aert would ride for the team in 2019

Wout Van Aert during the 2018 edition of Paris-Roubaix

(Image credit: Yuzuru Sunada)

Belgian team Vérandas Willems–Crelan's parent company, Sniper Cycling, has denied that it has agreed a deal to be acquired by Irish team and online retailer, Aqua Blue Sport.

Aqua Blue announced on Wednesday afternoon that the team would merge with Vérandas Willems–Crelan for 2019 and would even have Wout van Aert riding for them through the 2019 season, before he reportedly joins WorldTour squad LottoNL-Jumbo. The announcement was later taken down from the Aqua Blue Sport website and social media pages.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.