Bold claim: this season will redefine Cian Uijtdebroeks’s career, as he exits Visma for Movistar to chase grand-tour leadership—and the story that follows could reshape how young talents plot their trajectories. This is the essence of a high-stakes transfer that has racing fans buzzing. Cian Uijtdebroeks is Movistar Team’s marquee signing for the 2026 season, arriving from Team Visma after a departure that seemed almost engineered by circumstance. The Dutch rider heads to Eusebio Unzué’s squad with eyes set on contesting overall classifications in the grand tours, aiming to emerge as a credible alternative to Enric Mas.
Recently, he spent time in Gran Canaria, testing his limits on Pico de las Nieves alongside riders of the caliber of Tadej Pogačar and Jasper Philipsen. In a Marca interview, he opened up about the factors behind his move to Movistar and what he envisions for the upcoming year:
Why leave Visma and join Movistar
His reason for switching: “Visma is a colossal team with a track record of grand-tour wins, but our goals didn’t align. I want to compete for overall titles in the grand tours, and although there was ambition for me there, it wasn’t planned for now.” Injuries had slowed his progress, and Visma already relied on multiple other leaders. “To be competitive for the overall, three weeks is essential. I’ve tried one-week races and even cracked a top-10 at La Vuelta 2023, but I want more. That difference in vision became the decisive moment.” Movistar communicated that possibility from the outset.
An immediate positive impression: “I joined because it gave me a very good feeling. I spoke with several teams, and the recurring question was, ‘Why Movistar?’ From the first contact with Sebastián, with Eusebio, and the management, I felt calm, valued, almost at home. That feeling was pivotal.”
The turning point at Visma: “At the season’s end, discussions about next year’s program began. First, we tackled my physical issues, then we shifted to sport. Visma indicated it would be difficult for me to race a grand tour in 2026. That was the turning point: our strategic visions no longer aligned.”
Sporting aims: Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España
Yearly objectives: “We’ve discussed this extensively. I’ll race the classics and Ardennes classics, then decide between the Giro and the Vuelta. The Vuelta’s route is demanding, which I like, but the Giro also appeals as the first major tour of the year, and starting early is motivating. The choice will depend on route design and time-trial kilometers, because we don’t want to squander time unnecessarily.” It’s likely he’ll tackle both grand tours in 2026, the Giro as a leader and the Vuelta as a learning experience, with plans adjusted as the year unfolds.
Areas for improvement: “I need to develop more explosiveness and sharpen the time trial. I won’t beat Pogacar or Evenepoel in a pure time trial, but I can’t lose significant time either. I’m powerful and capable of sustaining long efforts. Movistar is investing in that, which is a key reason behind my signing.”
Hard moments, injuries, and growth
Low points: “When everything clicks, data confirms it and you know you’re performing. The tough part is not understanding why something isn’t working. I learned that trying to mimic Victor Campenaerts isn’t for everyone. Each rider is unique. You can discuss aerodynamics, but look at the best in the world—Tadej Pogacar—and you won’t label his strength as pure aerodynamics. Some aspects simply aren’t suited to me.”
Lessons from adversity: “The period was brutal. Since junior ranks, I’ve been front and center—top 10, top 5. Then I dropped from the top 10 to withdrawal, and that sting is hard to forget. The hardest part wasn’t training or diet but the mystery: you push, you fuel, you recover, and the body still says no. Discovering that the saddle position was impacting the muscle changed everything. Once corrected, I found relief. Yet the emptiness before uncovering the cause was unimaginable.”
Idols, style, and a future in the classics
Idol inspiration: “Chris Froome stands out as the most professional rider I’ve seen. He wasn’t the most graceful on the bike, but his dedication to the sport was total. That kind of commitment inspires me to build a path with Movistar toward my own summit.”
Flèche Wallonne as a goal: “Winning Flèche Wallonne would be a dream. It’s just ten minutes from my home. I’ve ridden San Sebastián and Lombardia already; with added explosiveness, maybe I can reach that level. I’m a climber who thrives on long efforts, but today’s peloton favors more explosive climbers. That’s the next step for me.”
