"We often talk about mental well-being, but that is forgotten here" - Tiesj Benoot demands end to Cian Uijtdebroeks furore

Cian Uijtdebroeks is officially a Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider after weeks of controversy, confusion and speculation. His new teammate Tiesj Benoot, hopes this brings an end to the furore.

“I would especially like to appeal to the press to tackle him less,” said Benoot says in conversation with Sporza. “He is 20 years old and he has a lot to deal with. You don't want to read what a young rider has to deal with on social media. We often talk about mental well-being, but that is forgotten here. I hope it doesn't bother him too much.”

Whilst Uijtdebroeks undoubtedly has a bright future in the peloton, his acrimonious departure from BORA - hansgrohe has left a black cloud over his head in the eyes of many. Was he pushed out by bullying? Did he have a bad attitude? We may never know what exactly happened behind the scenes.

“As a young rider, he is with the best team to develop. He has received a warm welcome here,” concludes Benoot, looking to Uijtdebroeks' future potential. After an impressive Vuelta a Espana towards the end of 2023, the Belgian will make his Grand Tour debut for Team Visma | Lease a Bike at the Giro d'Italia next year.