Movistar Team is proud to announce the signing of young Belgian talent Cian Uijtdebroeks (Abolens, 22), who will wear the blue colors of the Telefónica-backed squad from the 2026 season through 2029, in what will be one of the longest contracts in the team’s recent history.
Recognized as one of the most promising riders in international cycling, Uijtdebroeks first rose to prominence with his victory at the 2022 Tour de l’Avenir, a proving ground for many of the sport’s greatest champions. In 2023, he finished second in the Best Young Rider classification at La Vuelta a España, and in 2024 he confirmed his steady progression by wearing the white jersey of best young rider at the Giro d’Italia. This season he also claimed a commanding overall triumph at the Tour de l’Ain.
With his arrival, Movistar Team secures a rider with great potential in stage races, thanks to his climbing ability and a solid progression in time trials.
The Belgian will join the squad from next season, with the aim of furthering his development and taking a decisive step forward in his career within the Spanish outfit.
“It is a privilege to support young riders with the ambition and talent of Cian, who has a remarkable ability to inspire. Not only because of what he can still achieve, but also for everything he has already shown. He brings with him a rich trajectory, and we feel fortunate that he has chosen us as the ideal team to continue building his promising professional career.” said Eusebio Unzué, General Manager of Movistar Team.
For his part, Cian Uijtdebroeks stated: “Movistar Team has a proud history in Grand Tours and WorldTour Classics. It is a team where the human aspect truly matters, operating with the spirit of a family. I am really looking forward to becoming part of the Movistar Team family. As I live in Andorra and often train on Spanish roads, it will be an honour to defend the colours of the most iconic Spanish cycling team. Riders like Valverde, Quintana, and Mas have achieved incredible successes here, and I hope to contribute and play my role in the team’s future victories.“
Uijtdebroeks highlights the step forward he wants to take and states that “I am now at a stage in my career where further development as a GC rider in Grand Tours has become essential. I am convinced that Movistar Team—and riders like Enric Mas in particular—can help me grow in this discipline and achieve great results. The team also has a strong tradition in hilly one-day Classics, and I believe this environment can help me develop into a key rider in the peloton.“
Finally, the Belgian rider expresses his gratitude to his current team: “Visma | Lease a Bike has been, and remains, one of the greatest teams in the world with a very specific approach to cycling. Over the past two years, I have learned a lot about training methods, nutrition, and many other aspects of professional cycling. However, I now feel it is time to open new horizons in my development and embrace new challenges.“
Team Visma | Lease a Bike is grateful to Cian for the past two seasons with the team. CEO Richard Plugge: “Together we have shared two intense years, and we were delighted to see Cian achieve his first professional victory for our team this year. But the honest truth is that Cian’s ambitions and those of the team have started to move in different directions. At this moment, we cannot offer Cian the role and race program that he considers essential for his development.”
“After open and honest discussions, we agreed to his request to take a new step in his career. We wish Cian every success in that journey.”
With this commitment to the future, Movistar Team reinforces its mission of combining the experience of its established leaders with the freshness and hunger of cycling’s most exciting emerging talents.