Perhaps the most striking transfer with an eye on 2026: Cian Uijtdebroeks is leaving Visma | Lease a Bike for a new Spanish adventure with Movistar. But why did the Belgian climber choose the telecommunications team? That is due to several factors, Uijtdebroeks reveals in an interview with Sporza.
The 22-year-old rider was initially looking for a 'warm environment' where he can continue to develop. "You might expect that I wouldn't feel comfortable because I don't speak the language, but it was truly wonderful. It really felt like coming home in some way. That’s exactly what I was looking for in a team."
"Look, I needed this freedom. Because I’m very strict and disciplined myself, a somewhat more relaxed team suits me well. Sometimes it’s better to have someone around you who says 'tranquilo'. A bit like Alex (manager Alex Carera, ed.) is. That southern mentality really suits me."
Furthermore, Uijtdebroeks sees more sporting opportunities at Movistar. "Ultimately, my heart lies with the Grand Tours; that’s where I want to make a GC impact. And that’s not possible if you’re not riding them. And at Visma that would be very difficult because of the big riders they have. [...] Maybe Merijn Zeeman’s departure played a role. He was kind of my mentor within the team."
Cian Uijtdebroeks already wore the white jersey at the Giro d'Italia – photo: Fotopersbureau Cor Vos
In his search for a new employer, the Belgian hopeful therefore ended up at Movistar. "I heavily rely on a first conversation I have with a team. It went really well here, even without having talked about ‘performance’ yet. By the way, it is often said that Movistar is less professional. But I have found that they have excellent support staff."
A sneak peek
"Without apps, but with a very human approach. Everyone has a personal dietitian. I am contacted almost daily to coordinate the schedule. I have a lot of input and freedom in putting together my program," said Uijtdebroeks, who does not yet know which Grand Tour he will contest in 2026.
"We’re still waiting a bit for the Giro’s route, but it’s certain that I will target the GC in one of the Grand Tours. Maybe I need a little convincing for the tough course of the Tour, but I would be interested. We’ll see. In any case, I will race the Ardennes Classics."
