Whilst it's still somewhat uncertain which team Cian Uijtdebroeks will ride for in 2024, Team Visma | Lease a Bike are certain it will be them, with Attila Valter excited for the Belgian's arrival.
"There were people who left the team and people who arrived, among the latter the twenty-year-old Cian Uijtdebroeks can be singled out. But I don't see him as a rival, because if he is stronger than me, he would be stronger than me in another team," the Hungarian has told NemzetiSport in an interview. "If we both do well, we'll both get plenty of opportunities."
However, whilst Uijtdebroeks is viewed as a potential Grand Tour winner of the future, Valter thinks 2024 might be too early for Team Visma | Lease a Bike to back the Belgian as their sole leader for a Grand Tour. "I don't think it's enough for the whole squad to go for him in a Grand Tour," he explains. "Obviously, with the departure of Primoz Roglic, there was a void in the squad, which we filled with young people, including him.”
"Six people arrived, all younger than me. And generally I don't think it is realistic to defend the three Grand Tours next year with this line-up, but we are also preparing for big things in 2024.”
The interview of Attila Valter for NemzetiSport (thread):
— Lukáš Ronald Lukács (@lucasaganronald) December 21, 2023
„Even the name of the changes, but generally not much changes. Jumbo will be gone as a name, but will remain as a sponsor, for example continuing to support meals.” pic.twitter.com/TDZ57wycLS