Chasing the dream: Vallières and Uijtdebroeks on the sacrifices of life as a cycling couple

The couple sat down in Gran Canaria, where Uijtdebroeks was attending a training event organised by his manager Alex Carera. It is one of the rare windows they have to spend extended time together during a season that pulls them in different directions across continents and race calendars.

For Vallieres, 2025 brought the rainbow jersey in a result she described as deserved but completely unexpected. The Canadian is now adjusting to the attention and expectation that comes with the stripes. 

"The jersey is really special, of course. I have already felt it, even just in training," she said to Het Nieuwsblad. "Being world champion definitely brings more pressure, but it is also pressure I am looking forward to. 2026 will be a great year with big goals."

A few weeks ago she opened up on these goals in the Domestique Hotseat: “I want to win one of the Ardennes. That’s one of my dreams,” said Vallieres. “And I would like to see how I can do in the GC in a few years.” she added. 

Uijtdebroeks also finished his season on a high, winning the Tour de l'Ain and securing top 10 finishes at San Sebastián, the Giro dell'Emilia and Il Lombardia. Yet for the second time in three years he terminated a contract early, this time leaving Visma | Lease a Bike for Movistar.

He framed the decision as necessary for his Grand Tour ambitions.

"My goal has always been to improve as a Grand Tour rider, and the best way to achieve that is to be able to ride Grand Tours," he explained. "With Visma, it was not even certain I would be able to do that in 2026. Then you are no longer on the same wavelength. I started looking for a team that fits my ambition, and Movistar is the perfect fit. We can grow together in Grand Tours. Do not forget, I spoke with them before I signed with Bora."

He emphasised the support structure at Movistar as a key factor. "For now, I find it a very professional fit. I get a nutrition plan every day, not through an app but through a specialist who talks to me directly and makes adjustments based on that. I think we could be a good match. I am a rider who sometimes loses touch with my feelings. The team will bring that out of me, asking, Cian, yes, your numbers are good, but do you also feel good as a person? That could definitely work."

The logistics of being a cycling couple add another layer of complexity to everyday life. When the season begins, with Vallières heading to Australia for the Tour Down Under and Uijtdebroeks entering his own race and camp cycle, time together becomes scarce. 

He joked about inviting her to join him at the Tour of Guangxi last year, acting out disappointment when she declined. "After my world title, I was very busy for a while and I decided to return to Canada," Vallières said, laughing.

Uijtdebroeks continued, "And after Guangxi, I was already on a training camp with my new Spanish friends. It is not always easy to see each other so often, but we share the same vision. Our mutual dream has always been to become great cyclists, and that does not come without sacrifice. We have to make that happen for the next 10 to 15 years. Our lives are like this now, chasing the dream."

Vallières hesitated briefly before echoing the phrase with a smile. "Chasing the dream. Yes, ultimately, that is really what we do."

The pair were also put through a lighthearted quiz during the interview. Asked to name three things Vallières once said she could not live without, Uijtdebroeks admitted he had not read the interview but offered a confident guess. "I immediately think, me," he said, laughing. Vallières responded with loud laughter. "Unfortunately, I did not think of that."

The balance they strike is delicate but deliberate. Both are clear eyed about the demands of the next decade and the trade offs required to reach the top of their sport. For now, moments like Gran Canaria offer brief respite before the calendar pulls them apart again.