"I don’t see Cian Uijtdebroeks capable of winning a Grand Tour" – Patrick Lefevere doesn't believe Movistar move will do anything to change trajectory of Belgian's career

Few in the cycling world were more surprised than Patrick Lefevere when news broke earlier this week that Cian Uijtdebroeks is walking away from Team Visma | Lease a Bike to join Movistar on a long-term deal through to 2029. Yet the iconic Belgian manager’s reaction wasn’t just one of astonishment – it came laced with scepticism about whether the 22-year-old’s bold career move will ever bring him closer to Grand Tour glory.

Writing in his weekly column for Het Nieuwsblad, the now retired, former Soudal - Quick-Step boss admitted that even in a sport built on rumour, the transfer had blindsided him completely. But after the initial surprise, Lefevere didn’t mince his words about what he sees as Uijtdebroeks’ limitations.

“With this transfer, Cian is taking a big gamble,” Lefevere wrote. “But for me, I don’t see him as a rider capable of winning a Grand Tour. Of course, chacun son choix – everyone makes their own decisions. It would genuinely please me if he proves me wrong, but I don’t believe this move will change the trajectory of his career.”

The comments reflect a wider theme in Lefevere’s view of modern cycling talent: raw potential alone isn’t enough to warrant leadership roles or long-term contracts. In his eyes, Uijtdebroeks – despite his promise and professionalism – hasn’t yet justified the hype that once saw him viewed on a level with Remco Evenepoel.

Lefevere has followed Uijtdebroeks’ rise closely, having once tried to recruit him as a junior. He recalls being impressed by the young Belgian’s family and character, but not convinced that the results since have matched early expectations.

“Remco was world champion at 22 and already had 37 victories,” he noted pointedly. “With all due respect to Cian’s talent, his total stands at two. Finishing fifth at the Tour of Slovakia and second at the Czech Tour are fine results – but not the credentials that justify claiming Grand Tour leadership.”

The comparison to Remco Evenepoel, whom Lefevere helped nurture into one of the sport’s biggest stars, feels deliberate. Both riders were born in the same generation, both hailed as future Grand Tour contenders. But for Lefevere, the gulf between potential and proven performance remains vast.

Lefevere also questioned the wisdom of Uijtdebroeks’ decision to break his contract with Visma mid-term – the second such mid-season transfer of his short career. For a rider still defining his identity at World Tour level, the Belgian sees risk more than reward.

“He presents himself as the clean-cut, cheerful young man – and his entourage are all serious, proper people,” Lefevere wrote. “That’s why such a sudden move surprises me. It’s not really his style.”

While Movistar have positioned Uijtdebroeks as a potential long-term leader for stage races, Lefevere’s assessment is less optimistic. For him, the Belgian remains a promising rider – but not one destined to win a Grand Tour. And yet, as the seasoned manager himself admits, he would take no small satisfaction in being proved wrong. “It would make me happy,” he concluded, “if he shows me otherwise in Movistar colours.”