The Movistar Team announces the signing of young Belgian talent Cian Uijtdebroeks (Abolens, 22 years old), who will wear the Telefónica team colors from the 2026 to 2029 season, signing one of the longest contracts in the team's recent history.

Considered one of the most promising young riders in the international group, Uijtdebroeks made a name for himself with the victory at the 2022 Tour de l'Avenir, a preview of the great world cycling champions. In 2023, he finished second in the young riders' classification at the Vuelta a España and in 2024 confirmed his rise by wearing the white jersey as the best young rider at the Giro d'Italia. This season, he triumphed undisputedly at the Tour de l'Ain.

With his arrival, Movistar Team secures a rider with great potential in stage races, thanks to his mountain skills and solid time trial abilities. The Belgian will join the team starting next season, with the goal of continuing to grow and making a decisive quality leap in his career within the Spanish squad.

"It is an honor to bet on young players with the ambition and talent of Cian, who has a great ability to inspire. Not only for what he can achieve, but also for everything he has already demonstrated. He has an excellent curriculum and we feel lucky that he considered us the ideal team to continue his promising professional career" said the team's general manager, Eusebio Unzué.

For his part, Cian Uijtdebroeks confirms: "Movistar Team boasts a glorious history in Grand Tours and World Tour Classics. It is a team where the human aspect truly matters and operates with a family spirit. I am very excited to become part of the Movistar Team family. I live in Andorra and often train on Spanish roads, so it will be an honor to defend the colors of Spain's most iconic cycling team. Riders like Valverde, Quintana, and Mas have achieved incredible successes here, and I can't wait to contribute and do my part in the team's future victories".

Uijtdebroeks emphasizes the step forward he wants to take, stating: "I have reached a point in my career where my development as a general classification rider in Grand Tours has become essential. I am convinced that Movistar Team, and especially riders like Enric Mas, can help me grow in this discipline and achieve great results. The team also has a strong tradition in one-day classics with a hilly profile, and I believe this environment can help me become a key rider in the group".

Finally, the Belgian cyclist has words of gratitude for his current team: "Visma | Lease a Bike has been, and continues to be, one of the best teams in the world, with a truly unique approach to cycling. In the past two years, I have learned a lot about training methods, nutrition, and other aspects of professional cycling. However, now I feel it is time to open new horizons in my growth and face new challenges".

The Visma | Lease a Bike team thanks Cian Uijtdebroeks for the past two seasons together. CEO Richard Plugge states: "We have shared two intense years together and were extremely happy to see Cian achieve his first professional victory for our team this season. But the truth is that Cian's ambitions and those of the team have started to diverge. At the moment, we are unable to offer Cian the role and race calendar that he considers essential for his development. After open and honest discussions, we have accepted his request to embark on a new phase of his career. We wish Cian every success on this journey".