Traksel, however, expressed understanding of the move. “I find it logical. I saw only two options: Movistar or Astana. He doesn’t like structure at all. He always pushed beyond limits and didn’t enjoy rules and protocols. Visma is all about details, schedules, and discipline. A freer team like Movistar might be exactly what he’s looking for,” he explained.
Hermsen compared Uijtdebroeks to Tom Dumoulin. “He is a bit like the Belgian Tom Dumoulin. There is always something going on. He is also too influenced by his manager. He won a bit in the autumn, but not convincingly.” That autumn win actually took place in summer, specifically in August at the Tour de l’Ain, where he won the last mountain stage and also the final GC. Those were his first two professional victories, and so far the only ones.
However, he didn’t manage to win again despite a low profile schedule, which makes his performance not convincing according to Hermsen. “Otherwise, he would have won the Tour of the Czech Republic and the Tour of Slovakia. That’s why I think he is definitely not ready to compete for victory in a grand tour,” he said.
Vanbelleghem also suggested that something had broken down between Uijtdebroeks and Visma. “Visma will be glad he is gone,” he said. “He is only 22, but the fact that he made such a quick statement with his new team indicates something has clearly broken. You don’t feel like the team did everything to keep him.”
Traksel remained more optimistic about the potential success of the transfer. “In his first grand tour, the 2023 Vuelta, he finished eighth. If he reaches that level again, he will do well. Those points will help Movistar, and if he has the space to develop without too much pressure, it could be a win-win,” he said.
Hermsen partially agreed but emphasized the risk. “It is a leap into the unknown, but maybe he needs that. If he matures in his race approach, this could still be the step that advances him. Only, for now, he must first prove that he can really handle the big tours,” he concluded.
It is not the first time that Uijtdebroeks switches teams while still under contract. In 2023, the Belgian rider announced he was moving to Team Visma | Lease a Bike the next year despite his contract with Bora – Hansgrohe running until 2024. This move was supported by serious allegations of bullying at BORA – hansgrohe, where he was allegedly treated like an outsider. These accussations were always denied by Bora.