"I don't want to turn it into a soap opera" - Cian Uijtdebroeks refuses to speak out on BORA - hansgrohe bullying rumours

Although the complicated saga between BORA - hansgrohe, Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Cian Uijtdebroeks may now be over, the Belgian continues to be questioned by reporters about the nature of his controversial exit from BORA.

Showing some maturity however, the 20-year-old is refusing to gossip about his former employers and keeping tight-lipped in conversation with the press. “A lot of things happened, but I don't want to go into detail about them. That's the best for everyone, respect for everyone. We had a valid reason to terminate my contract and that is what we ultimately did,” Uijtdebroeks told Het Laatste Nieuws.

Rumours of Uijtdebroeks being a victim of bullying within BORA - hansgrohe at the 2023 Vuelta a Espana have emerged in recent weeks. Team boss Ralph Denk vehemently denies these allegations and Uijtdebroeks refused to go into detail when questioned by Het Laatste Nieuws.

“It's wisest not to comment too much on that. I don't want to turn it into a soap opera,” Uijtdebroeks said. “I really didn't feel well. That is why my contract with Bora has been terminated. I had to leave to be happy again.”

Looking ahead, he is excited for the future. “I think I fit in really well here,” he says. “You feel that there is enormous drive in this team. Motivation for everyone. For all riders. Everyone is so structured and wants to get the most out of it. How many of us are here? 28 riders in total. It feels like I have 27 other Cians around me. That's nice.”