"Cian Uijtdebroeks rides in the supposedly best team in the world" - Jose De Cauwer insists Visma need to look after tired Belgian prospect

In his first season at Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Cian Uijtdebroeks has started relatively strongly but in recent weeks, the Belgian has begun to struggle with a build up of fatigue. 

After leaving the Giro d'Italia through illness whilst sitting fifth in the general classification and wearing the White Jersey of Best Young Rider, Uijtdebroeks returned to racing last week at the Tour de Suisse but was notably below the level expected of him, finishing the race 35th in the general classification, nearly 28 minutes down on the eventual race winner, Adam Yates. 

Read also

"Hope that he will not have to pull himself apart for Jonas Vingegaard" - Jose De Cauwer worried Wout van Aert will again sacrifice himself at 2024 Tour de France

According to Sporza analyst and Belgian cycling expert, Jose De Cauwer, it's about time Team Visma | Lease a Bike took Uijtdebroeks out of racing and ensured a prolonged rest for the undoubtedly talented Belgian prospect. "Cian now has to reset," De Cauwer insists on Belgian radio show, De Ochtend. "He wants to do too much too quickly, but he has to start looking at it more logically."

"Uijtdebroeks rides in the supposedly best team in the world, but they are now in the corner where the blows are falling. They cannot keep him calm and go along with his story. But now it is time to let him stand still," continues De Cauwer. "He pulls all those around him into saying 'it has to be done, it has to be done, it has to be done and it will be done', but give him some time. He's still only 21 years old, guys."

The signs are, that De Cauwer isn't the only one to hold the opinion that Uijtdebroeks needs a rest. It was recently revealed that the 21-year-old will not be representing Team Visma | Lease a Bike at the Belgian National Championships, citing fatigue and a need to rest up for goals later in the season. It's not yet known either, when the Belgian is expected to return to racing.

Read also

Wout van Aert heads to Belgian Nationals with three teammates; Seven man Visma teams to take on Dutch men's road race