Keeping Cian Uijtdebroeks a 'goal' for Bora-Hansgrohe but future remains unclear

When Primož Roglič was announced as a 2024 Bora-Hansgrohe rider, the general consensus was that 20-year-old Cian Uijtdebroeks could learn from the experienced Grand Tour winner, but question marks remain over the Belgian rider’s future with links to rival teams, outbursts in the press, and Bora’s willingness and ability to keep the rider.

Uijtdebroeks, 20, has a contract with Bora-Hansgrohe for 2024 but according to GCN sources, the former Tour de l’Avenir winner has drawn interest from several teams, including Lidl-Trek, Ineos Grenadiers and Jumbo-Visma.

The speculation surrounding the Belgian isn’t just based on a possible move in 2025, at the conclusion of his current deal, but for a possible move ahead of next season. Such a move would need sanctioning by all parties concerned, including Bora-Hansgrohe, the rider, a new team, and finally the UCI.

Read more: Cian Uijtdebroeks not heading to Groupama-FDJ but Lidl-Trek and Ineos possibilities for 2025 transfer

For now, Bora-Hansgrohe are publicly committed to Uijtdebroeks’ future with team boss Ralph Denk telling GCN that the rider could have a leadership role at either the Giro d’Italia or the Vuelta a España.

“For sure it could be but it’s not decided yet,” Denk told GCN when asked about the rider’s possible participation in the Giro. “It’s an ongoing discussion but in the next two weeks, we will decide. It could be an option to have him in the Giro and it could be an option to have him in the Vuelta. We have to figure out what’s best for him.”

Read more: Cian Uijtdebroeks impresses but Bora-Hansgrohe wanted more from Vuelta a España

Denk also categorically stated that no teams had formerly approached him with regard to Uijtdebroeks’ 2024 status: “On my table there’s nothing and that’s why we plan with him.

“Cian came from our under-19 team and has developed well on our team. I see a big benefit to having him on the team for the minimum of next year because he has a valid contract. If he leaves, I don’t know, but at the moment it’s not really on my table. Also, it’s proof for us that ten teams have shared with the press their offers. It’s proof that we’ve done a good job and found the right talent.”

Although riders cannot technically sign with rival teams for 2025 until August of next year, the reality is that a letter of intent can be agreed upon. Bora could potentially find themselves in a position where a rider is set to leave in 2025. At that point, an early termination could be agreed upon in order to clear the decks and not spend time developing a rider for another team’s long-term benefit. A similar, but not exact, scenario happened this year with an Australian rider switching WorldTour teams despite having a contract with his current team for 2024.

If Bora does want to extend with Uijtdebroeks they may need to act soon. Even with the rider contracted for 2024, interest in his services for 2025 will remain high.

“It’s a goal [to sign him] because he’s a talented rider but our pockets aren’t as big as some other teams,” Denk said. “We have to find a smart way. In my opinion, at the moment, he stays for 2024 because no other team is asking for us to let him go. If you look to the UCI rules you need a three-way agreement with the new team, existing team and the rider. And then the UCI. I don’t even have a draft offer on my table. Cian has a valid contract and I respect contracts."

Part of the speculation surrounding Uijtdebroeks stems from his public criticism of the team. At the Vuelta a España, where he scored a top-ten overall, Uijtdebroeks hit out at teammate Aleksandr Vlasov for allegedly attacking him in the mountains. The young Belgian then criticised his equipment and support after a mechanical derailed his hopes in the time trial at the European Championships.

Read more: Cian Uijtdebroeks criticises time trial equipment and leaves door open for possible Bora-Hansgrohe exit

“I know the question you’re asking and for sure there was some blaming in the press from him in the direction of the team but we have our own strategy in this case and we won’t share that in the media,” Denk said when discussing the rider’s public comments.

“We’ll talk to him when the door is closed, we’ve done that already and maybe another talk is necessary in the next days or weeks. I will say that he’s a bit young and inexperienced and he jumped from the bike and talked to the press. I don’t think that he’ll repeat that again. But we’ve calmed that issue with him and we won’t share our input on that case.”