The UCI has not yet approved the signing of Cian Uijtdebroeks and rumors are growing about his departure from BORA

The signing of Uijtdebroeks remains up in the air. The possible hiring of the young Belgian rider has triggered a legal battle between Bora-Hansgrohe and Jumbo-Visma. The latest news on the case has come from the president of the UCI's PCC, Tom Van Damme, who has stated that the highest body in cycling is still studying the file and has not yet given the green light to the change of colors.

The UCI's legal department keeps the investigation open and the signing is still awaiting approval

As teams begin to meet at the first preseason concentrations, the Uijtdebroeks case is making headlines in the media. The operation announced by Jumbo-Visma has raised suspicion among several actors in the cycling scene, especially Bora-Hansgrohe, who lose a gem -with many chances of becoming a star- that they believe still has a contract with the German formation.

Almost all those involved spoke out shortly after the news from Jumbo-Visma. The Dutch team's announcement was followed by the offensive launched by Bora-Hansgrohe, who argued that the rider's contract also included the next season. In addition, Uijtdebroeks' representatives also issued a statement in which they stated that "legal proceedings have already been initiated by Cian and the UCI is aware of the termination of the agreement".

However, the UCI had not spoken until now. In this regard, Tom Van Damme, president of the Professional Cycling Council (PCC) -which plays a key role in contract terminations-, told Het Laatste Nieuws that the highest cycling body is still studying the case.

"The file is still being investigated by the UCI's legal department," explained Van Damme. The president of the PCC added that "only when they have completed their work can it be presented to me for signature".

Uijtdebroeks joined Jumbo-Visma at the team's concentration in Denia on Tuesday -even though the young Belgian was dressed in black-, while Bora-Hansgrohe was conducting its particular training in Mallorca.

Uijtdebroeks' decision to join the Jumbo-Visma concentration could have consequences if the signing is ultimately frustrated and he has to return to his current team. However, the atmosphere has become tense even more after it was suggested from the podcast In het Wiel that the cyclist was already living with some strangeness in the team.

"Several sources say that Uijtdebroeks was kind of a stranger in Bora," said journalist This Zonneveld, who also spoke of team members gossiping about him through a Whatsapp group during the Vuelta, which caused Uijtdebroeks "did not feel comfortable at all in that team".

These accusations provoked the reaction of Bora-Hansgrohe's sports director, Bernhard Eisel, who categorically stated that "I can deny it 100%. Certainly not. Especially on my part, and on the part of the riders".

Van Damme also faced these suspicions of emptiness and bad atmosphere towards Uijtdebroeks. "If the bullying story is true, of course it's worrying". In addition, he added that "these facts must be presented to the disciplinary committee. But, did Uijtdebroeks himself report it? I don't know".

The insinuations are not proven at the moment but they feed the possible reasons why Uijtdebroeks would have decided to pack his bags. The questions about the signing remain unclear while the PCC continues with the legal study of the case.