UAE Staff ADQ have introduced the signing of reigning Giro d’Italia Girls winner Elisa Longo Borghini on a three-year deal, with the Italian star making the transfer from Lidl-Trek after six years of success.
Longo Borghini has re-found her best possible kind this yr after her 2023 season was stricken by sickness and damage and she is going to look to hold this form over as one of many sport’s most versatile and constant riders to her stint on the Emirati facet.
The highlights of 2024 have been a second Tour of Flanders triumph 9 years after her first and a first-ever title on the Giro d’Italia Girls after 13 appearances at her residence Grand Tour. Longo Borghini additionally managed podiums on the latest World Championships highway race and at Strade Bianche.
Her time with Lidl-Trek additionally noticed her take wins at Paris Roubaix, GP Plouay, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, the Girls’s Tour and the UAE Tour, together with her key objectives set to be successful the Tour de France Femmes and defending her maglia rosa.
“The staff attracted me probably the most from the start as a result of it’s an bold staff and it goals to develop yearly,” Longo Borghini stated.
“This matches my character. I’m an bold particular person and I’m actually wanting ahead to concentrating on many races with this staff. I’ll attempt to defend my title on the Giro d’Italia, and attempt to win the Tour de France, and one of many Ardennes.”
Lidl-Trek supervisor Luca Guercilena confirmed in Might that Longo Borghini would depart the squad however there was no unhealthy blood between the 2 events after the very profitable partnership.
“Elisa Longo Borghini has made the choice to go away the staff on the finish of the season, regardless of our want to increase her contract with Lidl-Trek. That is a part of the sport,” stated Guercilena.
“Collectively we achieved nice outcomes, due to the help that the staff and her teammates gave her. We want Longo Borghini all one of the best for the approaching seasons.”
Longo Borghini will make up a robust core of Italian stars on the staff alongside Silvia Persico and Eleonora Gasparrini and brings a wealth of expertise to the UAE ADQ staff which ought to assist develop their youthful riders.
“Elisa isn’t just a world chief; in our sport, she is the illustration of excellence. Her profession dedication and constant victories in each Grand Excursions and one-day races present the spirit of a real champion,” stated Melissa Moncada, president and head of UAE ADQ.
“Elisa brings a successful mentality and a beneficiant expertise that may encourage and increase our staff to new heights.
“We’re devoted to steady enchancment and improvement, and Elisa’s management would be the driving drive behind our future successes. Collectively, we’re prepared to realize greatness and encourage others alongside the best way.”