Uijtdebroeks describes 'blissful' introduction to new team Movistar
Cian Uijtdebroeks' move to Movistar from Visma-Lease a Bike was one of the surprise transfers of the season. Having struggled to make his mark on the Dutch superteam, the young Belgian will be a leader at Movistar, and the early signs are good.
"You might expect me not to have felt comfortable because I haven't mastered the language, but it was really blissful," Uijtdebroeks told Sporza. "It really felt like coming home somehow. That's exactly what I was looking for in a team."
The 22-year-old describes himself as "very strict and disciplined", and Uijtdebroeks believes these traits are better looked after in a more relaxed setting. Although, Uijtdebroeks was keen to point out that the Spanish WorldTeam means business.
"It is often said that Movistar works less professionally, but I've found that there's a great framework," the young Belgian said. "Without apps, but with a very human approach. Everyone has a personal dietitian – I am contacted almost daily to coordinate the planning. I get a lot of participation and freedom in putting together my program."
One of the main catalysts for his move was the opportunity to race a Grand Tour. At Visma, there was a huge amount of competition for places on any lineup, let alone a chance to lead; Uijtdebroeks has not raced a three-week race since 2024 when illness forced him to abandon both the Giro and Vuelta. That's going to be very different at Movistar.
"We are still waiting to see the Giro route, but it is certain that I will go for GC in one of the Grand Tours. Maybe I need to be convinced about the tough course of the Tour, but I would like to try. We'll see. Anyway, [first things first] I'm going to ride the Walloon classics.”
