'I need a more relaxed team' - Uijtdebroeks upbeat ahead of Movistar debut in Valencia

Much has been made of Cian Uijtdebroeks’ switch from Visma | Lease a Bike to Movistar in the off-season, as the 22-year-old will become the first Belgian man to race for the Spanish team since Jürgen Roelandts in 2020.

Ahead of his season opener at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana, Uijtdebroeks is in good spirits and happy with the start to life as a Movistar rider. “Movistar isn't a well-known team in Belgium, but I'm really happy here at the moment,” Uijtdebroeks told Het Laatste Nieuws.

Uijtdebroeks will be looking to get off to a good start with his new team at the Spanish stage race that begins on Wednesday, but admits that the pressure isn’t on, with his main targets coming further down the line, most notably in July at the Tour de France.

“I can definitely lose another three kilos. We didn't want to go too fast. This race is very punchy and not a main goal for me,” said Uijtdebroeks. “I can lose a bit more for Paris-Nice, and especially for the Tour of the Basque Country, which is my first goal and important for our team. This will be a test leading up to the Tour, where I'm aiming for a top ten finish.”

Uijtdebroeks highlighted the work he has put in with his new team in the time trial department, and will find out the early indications of the fruits of his labour on stage 2’s 17km race against the clock. 

"I've already lost three minutes to Remco [Evenepoel], but now it shouldn't be more than a minute. I have a new bike position and personalised handlebars,” said Uijtdebroeks. “I feel at home in training."

Uijtdebroeks will face the current benchmark among Belgian Grand Tour and time trial specialists, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana. Evenepoel has started his debut season with the German team on the front foot, with three victories from three starts.

Evenepoel noted his compatriot’s capabilities and move to Movistar and acknowledged the importance of the individual time trial on stage 2 for the general classification.

"With a good winter and the drive of his new team, Cian will be in contention for the top 5 or top 10, but the time trial will be crucial,” Evenepoel told Sporza. “That's where differences can be made.”

Uijtdebroeks was formerly a member of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for two years before his switch to Visma in 2024, and finished 8th at the Vuelta a España on his debut in 2023, which remains his best Grand Tour result. He was asked about the differences between his former teams and his current employer, Movistar.

"You can't compare today's Red Bull to Bora in 2023. That team is more Visma-esque now. I need a more relaxed team, where I can create a professional environment for myself and get my chances,” said Uijtdebroeks. 

“Of course, things will still go wrong. That happened with Primoz Roglic when he moved to Bora. That's not a problem; what matters is that I'm in a different position here than last year.”