More wood for Jumbo-Visma: they sign, with controversy, the Belgian pearl Uijtdebroeks, the "leader of the future"
“We follow Cian from his youth. “When the opportunity arose to sign him starting December 1, we didn't hesitate.”. The latest pearl of Belgian cycling is now part of the best team in the world. In the Jumbo-Visma, which from January will be called Visma-Lease a bike, Cian Uijtdebroeks will ride.
The secret of Jumbo Visma's never-before-seen success: “It's not just money”
A key move for the Dutch team, which incorporates the 20-year-old, eighth in the last Vuelta a España (seventh in the Angliru, fifth in the Tourmalet…), its first major, and youngest winner in the history of the Future Tour in 2022. “I am delighted to join the Visma-Lease a Bike team. It has proven to be a leading team in recent years. And he was absolutely exceptional in 2023, winning all three grand tours. It is an honor to learn from Jonas, Wout and Sepp. I'm really looking forward to getting started,” said Uijtdebroeks.
In addition to incorporating the climber, the Jumbo steals from a direct rival. Because Cian had one more year on his contract with Bora hansgrohe, the fate of Primoz Roglic, the big yellow player.. “He fits perfectly into our team. Wants to develop in all areas. We are happy that he chose us and our approach,” explains Merijn Zeeman, Jumbo's sporting director, in the Dutch team's official statement.. “The focus will be on improvement and growth. You can learn from our best riders like Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert and Sepp Kuss. We see Cian as the future leader of our team,” he adds.. The Belgian's contract is until 2027.
However, the move has come with controversy, because the German team has assured shortly after in a statement that “Cian is and will continue to be a member of BORA-Hansgrohe also in the next 2024 season.”. “You are contractually bound to us until December 31, 2024.”
A&J All Sports, the agency that represents the young cyclist, has also spoken out, in a conflict that aims to be resolved in court.. “The contract between Cian Uijtdebroeks and Bora-Hansgrohe ended on December 1, 2023. Cian has already initiated legal proceedings and the UCI is aware of the termination of the agreement. Cian is confident in the outcome of the pending proceedings and will refrain from further comment at this time. Of course, Cian is excited and looking forward to his future cooperation with Visma-Lease a Bike starting next season,” reads his statement.