"I want to contest GC in Grand Tour again": Cian Uijtdebroeks looks ahead to a fresh start in Movistar

Young Belgian talent Cian Uijtdebroeks has decided to end his time with the Visma | Lease a Bike team with one last big participation in the Tour of Guangxi, looking to close his relationship with the Dutch outfit in the best possible way before making the big jump to Movistar in 2026. After a season of ups and downs marked by injuries and nervous problems, Uijtdebroeks has regained his best form and is preparing for a bright future, now with his sights set on the Grand Tours.

The Belgian arrived in China after having achieved an outstanding tenth place in Il Lombardia, one of the most demanding classics of the calendar, where he was also solid with an eighth place in the Giro dell'Emilia. In addition, his recent participation in the World Cycling Championships in Rwanda, supporting his teammate Remco Evenepoel, reflected the versatility and commitment of a cyclist who is always looking to be among the elite.

"Without a doubt, I want to close my stage in Visma in a positive way. I will try to get a good result here," said Uijtdebroeks before the first stage in Guangxi, where he was one of the favorites to fight for the overall along with Ecuador's Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) and Denmark's Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek).

Unlike his complicated move from BORA - hansgrohe to Visma (in 2024), which was marked by a turbulent exit, Uijtdebroeks' transition to Movistar Team has been much more amicable. Visma | Lease a Bike team manager Richard Plugge commented that, while Cian's departure was not straightforward, the divergence of ambitions between the rider and the team was clear: "At this time, we are unable to offer him the role and schedule that he considers essential to his development," he said.

Uijtdebroeks himself was also upbeat about the reaction to his transfer, noting that the change of team was due to his personal ambitions, especially his desire to lead in the Grand Tours. "I want to contest the general classification in the Grand Tours, and that wasn't a clear option at Visma. Movistar was the team that offered me that opportunity and the full support to develop myself," explained the 22-year-old cyclist.

Before starting his new stage in Movistar, Uijtdebroeks will seek to shine in the Tour of Guangxi, a race that could be key to close his cycle with the Dutch team. In the queen stage, the fifth day with arrival in NongLa, the Belgian will have the opportunity to show his best level, which could define his position in the general classification.

"The trip to China was complicated after such a demanding day in Lombardia, but I was able to rest during the transfer and the first night here, so I feel good," said the rider.

Despite the initial difficulties, Uijtdebroeks has proven to be in good shape, passing the first two sprint stages without major problems. However, two days of hilly terrain still await him before the decisive mountain stage.

"Every stage is important, even the sprints, but fortunately, the key stage is later in the week, which gives me time to fine-tune details," he commented optimistically.