'I want to ride GC in Grand Tours' - Ambitious Uijtdebroeks feels full support from Movistar

Cian Uijtdebroeks has explained his surprise move to Movistar despite having a contract with Visma | Lease a Bike until 2027, citing limited Grand Tour leadership opportunities.

"I want to ride a GC in Grand Tours, and with Visma | Lease a Bike, that option was difficult," Uijtdebroeks explained to Sporza ahead of the start of Il Lombardia. "I think it was a surprise for everyone. My choice was mainly due to my program."

A lack of opportunities was also previously cited by Uijtdebroeks' agent, Alex Carera, as the key reason for the move. "It is purely for sporting reasons," Carera had told Sporza. "We discussed with Visma how many champions they already have. Cian wants to ride big stage races with a key role, and in that team with so many leaders, it is not easy."

The negotiations moved quickly after the decision was made to find a new team. "Movistar believes Cian is one of the greatest talents, and Visma understood our position. The agreement was reached in a clean way," Carera added.

The 22-year-old Belgian has started three Grand Tours so far in his career. His debut at the Vuelta a España in 2023 yielded an extremely impressive 8th place. However, after his move to Visma | Lease a Bike in 2024, Uijtdebroeks has been unable to kick on in three-week races. 

The 2024 Giro d’Italia started very promisingly, with the Belgian sitting 5th in GC and leading the youth classification after stage 10. His race was over the following day, however, scuppered by illness. Illness struck the Belgian once more at the Vuelta later that year, and he hasn’t raced a Grand Tour since. 

There have been positive signs, however, that the Belgian is returning to form after illnesses and injuries have plagued the majority of his time at the Dutch team. A change in saddle position looks to have been a key factor, as the Belgian claimed victory at the Tour de l’Ain back in July, and has looked spritely at the Autumn Italian one-day races, with 8th place at the Giro dell’Emilia a highlight.

"At Movistar, they're very motivated to guide me to the top," Uijtdebroeks said. "But to learn that [riding for GC], you have to ride those races first. 

Not everyone shares total optimism about the move, with Patrick Lefevere expressing some scepticism in a recent column for Het Nieuwsblad.

"Honestly, I thought Uijtdebroeks would be further along at this point in his career," Lefevere wrote. "He undoubtedly remains a great talent, but he hasn't lived up to the reputation he gained when he joined the pros."

Lefevere also questioned the four-year deal. "If you really believe in yourself, you don't want to be tied down for so long, do you? You assume your stock will be higher in the next year or two, right?"

Despite his reservations, Lefevere acknowledged Uijtdebroeks' potential: "I don't see him as a rider who can ever win a Grand Tour, but at the same time, I'll be very pleased if he proves otherwise in the colours of Movistar."