Uijtdebroeks‘ Intense Cycling Focus May Hinder Progress,Says Former Pro
Belgian cycling analyst Jose de Cauwer believes Cian Uijtdebroeks’ all-consuming dedication to the sport could be detrimental to his career,despite his recent transfer to Movistar for the 2026 season.De Cauwer, speaking recently, suggested the young rider’s intensity surpasses even his own past obsession with cycling.
De Cauwer stated,”The way he approaches cycling – it goes too far. I thought I was obsessed with cycling, but he’s ten times worse.” He argues this level of immersion risks impeding Uijtdebroeks’ progress,particularly after experiencing frustration with his previous team.A change of scenery, he believes, is now necessary.
The move to Movistar, described by De Cauwer as “not a standard transfer,” offers Uijtdebroeks freedom, though improvement isn’t guaranteed. “At that team, I’ve seen vrey few riders actually improve,” he noted.Though, he posits the transfer aligns with a pattern in Uijtdebroeks’ career - a potential break from a cycle of “banging his head against the wall” after internal struggles and stalled progress.
De Cauwer also cautioned against immediate Grand Tour ambitions, advising Uijtdebroeks to prioritize winning races before pursuing General Classification contention. “Let him start at the start. Lots of young riders are hungry for the big races, but you have to try winning races first. The positive thing is that he’ll get the chance at Movistar to do his own thing.”
Ultimately, De Cauwer believes Uijtdebroeks’ success hinges on his ability to moderate the intense pressure he places on himself.
