'This is a completely different story than the previous transfer' – Uijtdebroeks’s agent explains Movistar move

“It is purely for sporting reasons,” Carera 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. If you want to grow every year, you must be given the opportunity to go for a general classification.”

Two weeks before the Worlds, the decision was made to search for a new environment. Movistar quickly emerged as the solution, with all parties agreeing on a deal before the championships. “The negotiations were not difficult,” Carera said. “Movistar believes Cian is one of the greatest talents, and Visma understood our position. The agreement was reached in a clean way.”

At just 22, Cian Uijtdebroeks has already packed plenty into his young career. He burst onto the scene by winning the 2022 Tour de l’Avenir and quickly established himself as one of the most talented stage racers of his generation. A year later, he finished second in the young rider standings at the Vuelta a España. In 2024, he wore the white jersey at the Giro d’Italia, and this season he claimed overall victory at the Tour de l’Ain while also finishing runner-up at the Czech Tour. 

Yet his progress has not been without turbulence. After a protracted contract dispute, he left Bora-Hansgrohe in late 2023 to join Visma | Lease a Bike, only to see much of his first year disrupted by injuries and physical issues. A positional adjustment on the bike eventually solved those problems, but his ambitions soon outgrew the role available to him at Visma.

Limited chances at Visma only strengthened his desire for leadership, and at Movistar, the expectations are high, though there is no rush. “No, not next year’s Tour. That will come later. Next season, he must continue to grow as he does every year. Cian works hard, has a lot of passion and is a great talent. We also have to try. Before you can aim for a good GC, you must also learn to lose. But if you cannot participate, that is difficult. That is why we once again found the best solution together.”

The choice for Movistar raised eyebrows, yet Carera insists it is a logical step. “They have won Grand Tours in the past. Their staff is very experienced, and apart from Enric Mas, they do not have big leaders at the moment. There are three Grand Tours every year, so there is room for a bigger role. Cian also lives in Spain, speaks some Spanish and will easily integrate in the team.”

Money, he says, was not decisive. “That is not important now. What matters is that Cian is happy. Money is not the priority. If the results are good, the money will follow.”

Carera is also keen to draw a line under comparisons with the rider’s last transfer saga. “Yes, but this is a completely different story than the previous transfer. It is not important how many times you change teams, but whether you end up in the right place. We, Cian and his family, are sure that the atmosphere in his new team, the project and the opportunities are good for him.”