“I always believed and gave everything I had" - William Junior Lecerf survives scare from Cian Uijtdebroeks to secure dramatic GC win at Czech Tour 2025

In a jaw-dropping finale to the 2025 Czech Tour, William Junior Lecerf (Soudal - Quick-Step) overturned what looked to be a decisive move from Cian Uijtdebroeks (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) to seal overall victory — despite being distanced on the final climb. The Belgian not only limited his losses with calculated pacing but ultimately rode his way back into contention in the final meters to secure the yellow jersey.

“I always believed in myself,” Lecerf reflected in comments taken by a post-stage press release by Soudal - Quick-Step's official website. “When things began heating up, I tried to stay in the wheel of Cian, but at one point I had some difficulties and decided to go at my own pace in order not to explode.”

Uijtdebroeks had launched his move with 4km to go on the final uphill drag, quickly distancing both Lecerf and Alessandro Fancellu, and looked set to ride into the yellow jersey. For a while, it seemed like a masterstroke — the Visma rider opening up daylight on the general classification contenders with every pedal stroke. But the boiling pace proved unsustainable.

With the flamme rouge in sight, Uijtdebroeks imploded spectacularly. His once-fluid rhythm turned ragged, and the chasing remnants of the GC group surged — Lecerf among them. “In the last 500 meters, as we were making inroads into that gap, I used a bit the slipstream of the others and gave everything I had,” Lecerf explained. “I managed to finish on the podium and take the GC win. I am happy I will take home the yellow jersey!”

Lecerf’s ride wasn’t just about legs — it was a masterclass in damage control and self-belief. Rather than panicking when distanced by Uijtdebroeks, the Quick-Step rider trusted his pacing strategy and managed the gap astutely. “It’s been a great week for us,” he added. “And it will be a race I will always remember.”