End of transfer saga: BORA-hansgrohe also officially announces Cian Uijtdebroeks' move to Jumbo-Visma

Then again, and again... A lot of drama unfolded around Cian Uijtdebroeks' transfer in recent weeks. Initially, Jumbo-Visma announced the transfer of the young Belgian, but not long after, BORA-hansgrohe contradicted this by stating that Uijtdebroeks would remain with the German team. Thus, a true transfer soap opera began.

However, on Thursday, December 21, during Jumbo-Visma's team presentation in Amsterdam, a resolution finally emerged. Uijtdebroeks was present at the presentation, as he was the week before at the training camp in Spain. In the evening, the reassuring news came: an agreement had been reached between Uijtdebroeks, BORA-hansgrohe, and Jumbo-Visma, and the UCI approved the transfer.

"In the end, it all worked out," expressed a relieved Richard Plugge at the team presentation to IDLProCycling.com. "He can race for us starting January 1. The resolution was positive for everyone involved. Cian stands on the podium with us, and we are very pleased about that, as is Cian. Whether BORA-hansgrohe is content with this? You'll have to ask them that."

Ralph Denk has clear message for the entire cycling world

That team shared the news about the deal a few hours after the presentation, stating that Uijtdebroeks will officially depart from the team. "Today is a day of mixed feelings," said Ralph Denk, the team's CEO. "I was surprised to be approached at short notice with the desire to reach an agreement. However, it is known that I am open to talks and will not stand in the way of a transfer if the terms are right and if it is done according to the rules. That was the case three weeks ago, and it was the same today."

Furthermore, Denk has a clear message to preempt future transfer dramas like this one. "I am glad that the dust has finally settled, and the matter is now closed. The agreement shows that it is never too late for a reasonable, personal discussion. I hope this case remains an isolated incident for the entire cycling family: let's respect contracts and rules, let's be fair to each other."

He also addresses the accusations directed at his team. "Above all, I stand behind my team. When false accusations are made against our riders, a line is crossed. To be clear, these accusations did not come from Cian. They were never cited by Cian as a reason to change teams."

Uijtdebroeks prepares for the Giro

However, Plugge, who will see his team change its name to Visma | Lease a Bike as of January 1, could count on stiff competition in battle for the young talent's signature. 'We could talk to Cian and we did, but almost everyone wanted him. We made it known because we knew he would join our team and also train at the training camp!'

Uijtdebroeks' main goal next season will be the Giro d'Italia, his new team announced during the presentation.