Team Visma-Lease a Bike announced a little while ago, surprisingly, the purchase of the Belgian Cian Uijtdebroeks from Bora-Hansgrohe for the next four years. Even if his current team isn't there: "He will be with us until the end of 2024".

The twenty-year-old has already shown great qualities in the minor categories by winning the Tour dell'Avenir in 2022 while in 2023 he finished the Vuelta de España in eighth place.

According to Team Visma's press release, Uijtdebroeks has been on their radar "for a long time".

The Dutch team, which lost its main sponsor (Jumbo) and Primoz Roglic , who ended up at Bora, will be able to field him as early as 2024. But it is not a simple exchange.

Uijtdebroeks was under contract for another year with his current team but expressed some frustration during and after the Vuelta due to his relationship with Aleksandr Vlasov in the Iberian race.

"We have been following Cian since he was a junior," said Visma team sporting director Merijn Zeeman . "When the opportunity arose to hire Cian starting December 1, we didn't hesitate. Cian is a perfect fit for our team. We're happy he chose us and our approach."

Uijtdebroeks highlighted the team's record in his decision to move. "In recent years they have proven to be a leading team. And they were absolutely exceptional in 2023, winning the three Grand Tours. It's an honor to learn from guys like Jonas, Wout and Sepp. I can't wait to get started with Team Visma -Lease a Bike".

His program for next season would include participation in the Giro d'Italia. At this point as captain. Blizzard permitting.

Photo Sprint Cycling