08/06/2024

"It was a big disappointment... We all felt that the best was yet to come" - Cian Uijtdebroeks determined to put Giro behind him as Visma confirm strong Tour de Suisse team

Holding the White Jersey for Best Young Rider and sitting in the top-5 of the general classification, a potential podium looked on the cards for Cian Uijtdebroeks at the 2024 Giro d'Italia. Sadly, those hopes were ended prematurely as the Belgian was struck down by a badly timed illness.

"It was a big disappointment,” the 21-year-old reflects of his forced Giro d'Italia exit, in a press release by Team Visma | Lease a Bike. "I went into the Giro with a good feeling. Although the first part of the race was not for me, everything went according to plan. We all felt that the best was yet to come. Unfortunately, you can never wholly avoid illness. I had a fever after the rest day. Then you have no choice but to take care of your health. It was the right decision to withdraw from the race.”

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Having left the first Grand Tour of Team Visma | Lease a Bike career in such disappointing circumstances, Uijtdebroeks admits he struggled to follow the rest of the race from the TV screen. "I wanted to continue supporting the guys from home, but it was quite difficult," he explains. "Our goal in Italy was to win as many stages as possible and do well in the general classification. In the space of two days, both of those goals were destroyed (sprinter Olav Kooij also abandoned through illness ed.). It was quite a disappointment. The four remaining riders fought until the end.”

cianuijtdebroeks 2 — Cian Uijtdebroeks was in the White Jersey before his enforced abandon at the Giro d'Italia

After spending time recovering from his illness, Uijtdebroeks returns at the Tour de Suisse, hopeful the good legs he showed at the Giro d'Italia are still there. "When I got back home, I did nothing for a week. That was necessary to recover. Then, I went to Andorra to train at altitude. The first few days, I had to take it easy. My lungs were still bothering me. Then, I took steps day by day. Now, I am back to a good level. The most important thing now is to rest for a few days, and then I hope to perform well in Switzerland”, the 21-year-old says. "Of course, I want to perform as well as possible in the Tour de Suisse, but first of all, it is a test to see where I stand. I hope to be at a high level. Wilco Kelderman and Ben Tulett also have protected status next week. So we will start with a strong block.”

“I have good memories of this race. Last year, I finished seventh in the final classification," Uijtdebroeks concludes. "I especially like the high mountain stages. I am happy to have the chance to race again soon after my illness. I'm looking forward to it.”