"How can the doctors allow it?": criticism of Movistar for keeping Uijtdebroeks in the Tour with a fever

The complicated start of the Tour de France for Cian Uijtdebroeks has led to a controversy that goes far beyond his sporting results. The Belgian cyclist confirmed after the third stage that he has been competing with a fever for several days, a situation that has provoked numerous criticisms towards Movistar for allowing him to continue racing under particularly demanding conditions and with temperatures close to 40 degrees.

Movistar criticized for allowing Cian Uijtdebroeks to continue in the Tour with a fever and under extreme heat

Uijtdebroeks arrived at the Tour as one of Movistar's main contenders for the general classification after finishing seventh in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, but since the start in Barcelona, he has been far from his best level.

The Belgian struggled in the opening team time trial, losing 27 seconds to the favorites' group on the second day and again lost time on the way to Les Angles. After the first three stages, he occupies the 19th position in the general classification, 3:24 behind leader Tadej Pogačar.

But after the third stage, the explanation for his performance came. "When you're not healthy, it's difficult, but I've fought," Uijtdebroeks explained in statements collected by Sporza.

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When directly asked about his physical problems, the Movistar cyclist confirmed that he was competing with a fever.

"Fever... It was like this yesterday. We'll see. Can I continue? I hope so. We have to make sure I recover well and keep everything under control." Uijtdebroeks himself also acknowledged that his physical condition during the stage was far from adequate.

"I'm just not well and I feel a bit dizzy. I managed to finish today, but it requires a lot of energy. It also explains what has happened over the last few days."

Movistar confirms that Uijtdebroeks has been competing with a fever for two stages

Movistar later confirmed the situation through a team statement.

"The Belgian cyclist has had a fever since yesterday, which has forced him to compete in the last two stages far from his best level.", explained the Spanish team.

The team also assured that Uijtdebroeks has the support of his teammates and staff during these difficult days and announced that they will continue to monitor his progress during the upcoming stages.

However, the confirmation that the cyclist had started and completed several days with a fever has generated numerous criticisms towards Movistar's management.

One of the first to publicly question the decision was former professional cyclist Thomas De Gendt.

"How can Movistar's doctors allow Cian to continue with a fever?", the Belgian wrote on X.

Also, Dutch journalist Thijs Zonneveld harshly criticized the decision to keep the rider in the race.

"Competing with a fever, and in these temperatures, is completely absurd and endangers life," he posted on X.

Belgian journalist Jonas Creteur also pointed out the possible medical risks of doing intense exercise with a fever and recalled the recent warnings made by cardiologist Guido Claessen about the possibility of suffering cardiac complications, including myocarditis.

The controversy increases due to the extreme heat of the Tour

Uijtdebroeks' situation is even more controversial due to the weather conditions accompanying this start of the Tour de France.

The peloton is competing during some days with temperatures approaching 40 degrees, while teams are resorting to different strategies to try to reduce their riders' body temperature before, during, and after the stages.

The 23-year-old Belgian still does not consider voluntarily abandoning the race and maintains hope of recovering.

"I can definitely still recover.", he assured after the third stage.

But the Tour hardly allows any margin for that. The fourth stage between Carcassonne and Foix presents 182.3 kilometers, 2,711 meters of accumulated ascent, and another forecast of very high temperatures. Furthermore, the high Pyrenean mountains will come later, with climbs like the Col d’Aspin and the Tourmalet.