“Ben and Cian gave it their all” – Visma forced to watch on as Isaac del Toro wins Giro dell’Emilia

The headlines this week were dominated by Cian Uijtdebroeks’ impending move from Team Visma | Lease a Bike to Movistar Team, a transfer that will see the Belgian prodigy join the Spanish squad from 2026. Yet barely 24 hours after the announcement, Uijtdebroeks was back in Visma colours and fighting on the steep slopes of Bologna’s Giro dell’Emilia, where Isaac Del Toro stormed to victory ahead of Tom Pidcock and Lenny Martinez.

The race unfolded on its familiar battleground, five ascents of the San Luca, a 2.1 km climb averaging 10.5 percent with ramps reaching 18. On the first passage, the peloton already splintered. Ben Tulett, Uijtdebroeks, and 19-year-old Jørgen Nordhagen crested comfortably in the front group, setting the tone for a punishing afternoon. Each lap became a war of attrition, with the young Belgian testing the favourites with several accelerations. None stuck, but he still showed good form.

When the decisive climb arrived, Del Toro’s devastating late surge left even the strongest chasers powerless. Pidcock clung on for second, Martinez impressed on his return in third, and the Visma duo of Tulett and Uijtdebroeks fought to sixth and eighth. For a rider whose name has dominated the transfer market, it was a quietly emphatic reminder that his legs remain his loudest statement.

“The guys delivered a strong team performance today,” said sports director Marc Reef on the team website. “The first key moment came on the opening ascent of San Luca, where we had Ben, Jørgen and Tijmen (Graat) well positioned. Cian also moved up quickly, so we had four riders in front. In the finale, Cian made several good attacks, but unfortunately he didn’t get space. In the end, both Ben and Cian gave it their all to finish in the top ten, and we’re pleased with that. They showed that their form is good, especially with the upcoming races in mind.”

Uijtdebroeks’ looming transfer adds intrigue to the final weeks of the season. On Friday, he expressed his enthusiasm for the next chapter: “Movistar Team has a proud history in Grand Tours and WorldTour Classics. It is a team where the human aspect truly matters, operating with the spirit of a family. As I live in Andorra and often train on Spanish roads, it will be an honour to defend the colours of the most iconic Spanish cycling team. Riders like Valverde, Quintana, and Mas have achieved incredible successes here, and I hope to contribute and play my role in the team’s future victories.”