Brodie Chapman, fresh from her rainbow jersey win in the Mixed Relay Team Time Trial at the UCI Road World Championships in Zurich, has secured a two-year deal with UAE Team ADQ. The Australian rider’s move is seen as a significant boost for the team as it continues to grow its presence in women’s cycling.
Chapman, who had been with Lidl-Trek, joins her former teammate Elisa Longo Borghini at the Emirati squad. The 33-year-old shared that her decision was influenced by the presence of Longo Borghini. “When I found out that Elisa was coming to UAE Team ADQ, she helped cement my thinking because we obviously work well together. I wanted to continue that good relationship,” she explained, recognising the importance of their connection on and off the bike.
Chapman, who has built a reputation as one of the most dependable riders in the peloton, revealed that while there were several teams interested in her, it was UAE Team ADQ’s professionalism and their ambitions for growth that attracted her. “The team has been winning a lot recently, which is really cool, so going there with such an experienced rider like Elisa feels like it will bring the whole team up to another level,” she said.
The Australian sees herself continuing in a supporting role, a position she has embraced throughout her career. “At the end of the day, cycling is a team sport and women’s cycling is becoming more and more professional. A team win feels infinitely better than a couple of riders getting in the top ten or top twenty. Some of the best races I’ve ever had are when I’ve been able to set up a teammate for the win,” Chapman noted, further highlighting her dedication to the team dynamic.
Despite her strong focus on teamwork, Chapman is not without personal goals. The UAE team’s interest in improving her time trial abilities was a major factor in her decision. “The interest that the team has shown in improving my time trial has been really encouraging because that’s always been something that I’ve known I can be good at. That’s another part of the reason I wanted to come to the team, because of the superior equipment,” she added, hinting at her excitement for the coming seasons.
As UAE Team ADQ builds its women’s squad for the future, the signing of Chapman adds depth and experience. Melissa Moncada, the team’s president, shared her enthusiasm: “We are delighted to welcome a respected and experienced athlete like Brodie Chapman to the UAE Team ADQ. She brings so much experience and passion to professional cycling through her dedication and quality as a bike rider, and there is no doubt that she will strengthen our WorldTour team and inspire our development riders.”
Chapman’s goals for the next two years are clear. She has her sights set on the Spring Classics, in particular Strade Bianche, which she feels suits her strengths. “Strade Bianche is a really big goal for me personally because it’s a race that suits my characteristics as a rider. And of course, Elisa has won the race before so I’m really motivated to show up for those early season races in the Spring and the Ardennes,” she said. Beyond that, the Grand Tours are also on her radar, with Chapman eager to make her mark in races like the Tour de France Femmes.
