"I hope I can keep riding" - The GC dream of Cian Uijtdebroeks in danger due to an illness

Cycling
Tuesday, 07 July 2026 at 01:00
Cian Uijtdebroeks on stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de France
Cian Uijtdebroeks is enduring a Tour de France start well below expectations. The young Belgian from Movistar Team has struggled through the opening days, and the team confirmed on Monday the reason for his subdued form: a feverish illness that is completely compromising his performance.
The warning signs were there from day one. In the opening team time trial, Uijtdebroeks finished the stage suffering from severe cramps, already suggesting he was not at full fitness.
Things did not improve on stage 2. The Belgian conceded close to half a minute to the day’s winner, Isaac del Toro, losing valuable time on a stage where he had hoped to stay with the best.
Further problems arrived on stage 3. Uijtdebroeks began to lose contact early and crossed the line one minute behind the group led by Tadej Pogacar. Another setback that leaves him well adrift in the general classification.
After just three stages, the Movistar Team rider sits far from his ambitions. He is 3:24 off the lead and already more than two minutes down on tenth overall, a target he and the team had set for this Tour.
Cian Uijtdebrokes at the 2026 Tour de France
Cian Uijtdebrokes at the 2026 Tour de France

Movistar Team outlines Cian’s issue

Amid concern over his form, Movistar Team issued a statement on their social channels to explain the Belgian’s situation.
"Cian Uijtdebroeks has been dealing since yesterday with a feverish process that has forced him to ride the last two stages far from his best condition. It is not the Tour de France start we expected, but Cian has the support of all his teammates and staff during these difficult days. The team will continue to monitor his evolution over the coming stages.”

Cian acknowledges his struggles

After stage 3, the Belgian admitted he is racing well below his best due to a fever. "If you’re not healthy, it’s hard. But I fought," he said.
Uijtdebroeks also confirmed he has a fever and hopes to recover quickly. "Yes, fever… That was yesterday. We’ll see. Can I keep riding? I hope so. We need to make sure I recover well and that everything is under control."
The rider further conceded he is not in a good place physically. "I don’t feel well and I’m a bit dizzy. Can I recover? Of course. Jonas rode the Giro with Covid and all that."
Finally, he acknowledged how hard it was to get through the day. "Today I pushed through, but it took a lot out of me. However, it also explains what has happened over the last few days."
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