How is Cian Uijtdebroeks doing after painful false start at Movistar? “He knows what he’s getting into”

Uijtdebroeks crashed hard in Valencia and broke his elbow. Movistar sports director Pablo Lastras provided an update in an interview with AS. “He values where he comes from and he’s really appreciating where he is now,” the Spaniard said, referring to Uijtdebroeks’ exit from Visma | Lease a Bike. “We haven’t been able to get much more out of him yet because of this injury, but it will come — and he’s ready for it.”

It is a big setback so early in his new adventure, but Lastras believes Uijtdebroeks has taken the blow in stride — and will be ready when it matters. “He likes big challenges and he transmits a lot of confidence and belief, from what little I’ve been able to speak with him,” he explained. “He’s still very young, and with the weight a cyclist carries in Belgium… that kid knows what he’s getting into.”

Uijtdebroeks joined Visma | Lease a Bike after plenty of turbulence. His previous spell at BORA-hansgrohe had been a difficult one, and the Dutch team looked like the ideal place to mould him into a genuine Grand Tour contender. But the working methods did not click for the talented Belgian, who is now being promised more freedom at Movistar — where they believe he can grow into a true champion.

“Yes — why not?” Lastras replied when asked whether Uijtdebroeks can become a champion. “We take good care of all our riders, but we have a lot of experience with riders of this profile, because our history is rooted in the Grand Tours. Of course we’ve adapted to modern cycling — otherwise we wouldn’t be here — but this is our strength. He has to benefit from it, because he could be riding for one of the top three Grand Tour teams.”

At Movistar, Uijtdebroeks will share leadership duties with Enric Mas. Lastras stressed there will be no fixed hierarchy inside the team: riders will get their own opportunities and the same resources. “They’re young guys, extremely well prepared, resilient — they love the Grand Tours,” he said. “They have to feel comfortable. That’s what I’d ask of him: surround yourself with good teammates and have confidence. Nothing more.”

For now, Uijtdebroeks remains sidelined for some time. The 22-year-old climber is hoping to make the start of Paris–Nice, although it remains to be seen whether 8 March is realistic. If not, he is likely to return at the Tour of the Basque Country. The Tour de France remains the big objective for the Belgian this season.