Cian Uijtdebroeks on calm progression and Grand Tour vision: "In 2024 it may be a possibility"

Cian Uijtdebroeks turned 19 years old this February and is one of the most promising young talents in the peloton. Shallow into his under-23 years, he's turned pro with BORA - hansgrohe who are looking to have him develop calmly without the expectations that many put on him.

"I'm very satisfied. I didn't expect to be able to do what I've already done. Winning is still a bit far, but it could have gone much worse. I feel good in the peloton, I'm having fun. That's the most important thing," Uijtdebroeks said in an interview with Vive le Vélo.

On the differences he is facing regarding the direct promotion from Junior to Elite rankings, he described: "The speed is much higher, on the descents or when there are fans. The power uphill is actually not that bad, but on the flat you really feel a difference. A split is immediately made in terms of the type of rider, that is not the case with the youth."

Despite his young age, the Belgian talent has finished 16th at the Tour of the Alps, eighth at the Tour of Norway and third at the recent Sibiu Tour. The German team has inserted him in a secondary calendar where he is learning how to race in the Elites, with phenomenal feedback as he has been able to also lead the team on some occasions.

"That's how they see it with the team. We don't want to do something great in one day, but step by step," he explained. "We ride races that suit me and that don't suit me, so that we can also take out the weaknesses. We have enough time, I should not be there in a year. We'll see how far we can get."

Grand Tours are not yet in the plan, as he talks exactly what is his current trajectory: "To start with, the Giro would be nicer. Next year it will certainly be too early. Then I have to go to slightly larger races of one week. In 2024 it may be a possibility. But whether it is a year earlier or later, we certainly should not rush it. There is plenty of time."

As for the coming goals this season, he has added: "The next goal is the Tour de l'Avenir in the second half of August, which is actually the Tour de France of the promises [under-23's]. It will be a different way of racing than I am used to with the pros. Maybe before that I will ride the Tour de Wallonie in preparation," Uijtdebroeks concluded.