“Let's present our objective facts in a courtroom" - BORA - hansgrohe's Rolf Aldag threatens lawsuit over Cian Uijtdebroeks controversy

There is arguably no bigger topic in the cycling world right now than the controversy surrounding Cian Uijtdebroeks, BORA - hansgrohe and Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Although it may be interesting viewing for outsiders, for BORA's Rolf Aldag however, it's something he could really do without.

“To the outside world, the business seems like welcome entertainment, in the off-season. Something to follow online with popcorn and a large bottle of coke. It also gets more attention than usual because there is little sporting action," Aldag tells the Cycling Podcast with Daniel Friebe. "But it's not nice to be in the middle of it as a team.”

The talk of the potential bullying of Uijtdebroeks at the Vuelta a Espana this year has come out in the last few days, but for Aldag, the news of the young Belgian even wanting to leave was a surprise. “We have already made a plan and prepared all the matches, which is my job. We have received the bicycles, as well as the equipment. We assumed that Cian would be part of the team in 2024. Then something like that will come as a hammer blow.”

Although Aldag describes Uijtdebroeks as 'intense', he insists he was unaware of any potential bullying. “Cian is very, very intense to work with. He demands a lot of time, but in a positive way. He asks very specific questions, challenges us as a team and takes people out of their comfort zone. Some people like that, others may like it less," he says. “Cian raises the bar, also for other riders within the team. You have to imagine that you are thirty years old and that the team management constantly refers to a twenty-year-old as a reference. And then says: 'If you had lived like him, you might have performed better.' The young guys are pushing the older riders these days. That is an evolution within the sport and is very positive. The experienced boys can no longer keep the young people under their thumb.”

Ultimately, for Aldag and for BORA - hansgrohe, the retain the belief that Uijtdebroeks is their rider, despite the fact that he's recently been seen in a Team Visma | Lease a Bike training camp. “Let's present our objective facts in a courtroom. Cian can share his and then we'll see what comes out. The outcome will be important for cycling. Normally a contract is a contract. It is possible to get out of it, but provided everyone agrees. If contracts no longer have any value, then we have a problem in cycling. Anyone who says something about it must be aware of this," concludes Aldag with a warning.