Crew Visma-Lease a Bike introduced the acquisition of Belgian Cian Uijtdebroeks from Bora-Hansgrohe on Saturday, however the German crew rebutted this declare, saying they count on him to race with them by means of the tip of his contract in 2024.
Visma made the announcement on Saturday that they signed the 20-year-old, who confirmed his promise with a victory within the Tour de l’Avenir final 12 months and completed eighth on the Vuelta a España this season, by means of the 2027 season.
Bora-Hansgrohe replied with a press release on social media stating, “Cian is and can stay a member of Bora-Hansgrohe, additionally within the coming 2024 season. He’s contractually sure with us till 31 December 2024.”
A&J All Sports activities, the administration firm that handles Uijtdebroeks posted a press release on their Instagram web page saying, “The settlement between Cian Uijtdebroeks and Bora-Hansgrohe has been terminated on December 1st, 2023.
“Authorized proceedings have already got bee initiated by CIan and the UCI is conscious of the termination of the settlement.
“Cian is assured concerning the final result of the pending process and can chorus from additional feedback right now.
“In fact, Cian is happy and looking out ahead to the longer term cooperation with Crew Visma-Lease a Bike beginning subsequent season.”
Visma misplaced Primož Roglič to Bora-Hansgrohe in a mid-contract switch this season after the Slovenian was relegated to a helper function for teammate Sepp Kuss through the Vuelta a España.
Like Roglič, Uijtdebroeks was below contract for yet another 12 months along with his present crew and expressed some discontent with the interactions with co-leader Aleksandr Vlasov through the Vuelta. He additionally criticized Bora-Hansgrohe after points along with his bike through the Chrono des Nations this autumn.
Jumbo-Visma had comparable issues signing Wout van Aert for 2019 when Nick Nuyens, proprietor of Van Aert’s crew, disagreed along with his causes for breaking his contract and sued him for breach of contract.
In November of 2019 Van Aert received his case and prevented €1.1 million in damages however the determination was overturned in 2021, and Van Aert was ordered to pay Nuyens €662,000.
On Saturday, Visma-Lease a Bike’s press launch made it sound as if the contract was a achieved deal.
“Now we have been following Cian since his junior days,” sport direct Merijn Zeeman stated within the press launch on Saturday.
“When the chance arose to signal Cian as of December 1st, we did not hesitate. Cian is an ideal match for our crew. He needs to develop in all areas. We’re completely happy that he has chosen us and our method.”
Uijtdebroeks will not be a like-for-like swap for Roglič as Zeeman expects him to be taught from two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard, Vuelta winner Kuss and fellow Belgian Wout van Aert. “We see Cian as a future chief of our crew,” Zeeman stated.
Uijtdebroeks pointed to the crew’s file in his determination to make the transfer.
“It has confirmed to be a number one crew lately. And it was completely excellent in 2023, successful the three Grand Excursions. It’s an honour to be taught from guys like Jonas, Wout and Sepp. I’m trying ahead to beginning with Crew Visma-Lease a Bike,” he stated.
Even earlier than turning professional, the Belgian garnered loads of consideration as a junior, attending the Quickstep crew camp in 2020 and impressing Acrog-Tormans chairman Jef Roberts. On the time Roberts stated “He has no equal in climbing or time trialling. He does issues I’ve by no means seen earlier than.”