After winning the time trial title in August, the Trek-Segafredo rider solos to victory in the Italian National Road Championship, earning both coveted Tricolore jerseys.
Elisa Longo-Borghini soloed to an emotional win in the women’s elite Italian National Road Championship, a title she last won in 2017. Longo Borghini also claimed the individual time trial in August and will honour the Maglia Tricolore in all races for the next year.
Longo Borghini raced in the Polizia kit for the National Championships and praised both Trek-Segafredo and the National Police Force for support in her drive to win the prestigious championships.
I am very, very happy about my victory. It is such a nice feeling because I have been chasing many jerseys this year, and finally, I got my National jerseys, which I am very proud of. I will wear my Tricolore with pride next year and try to defend it as much as I can. A special thanks to Trek-Segafredo for supporting me so well, and to the Italian National Police, who also have supported me my whole career and gave me the opportunity to race in their kit today.
There was little doubt that Longo-Borghini came into the race as the favourite after a hugely successful past few months where she won stage 8 and finished third overall in the women’s Giro d’Italia, won the bronze medal in the World Championships road race, claimed silver in the European Continental Championships, and won the National time trial title.
But being the pre-race favourite also comes with pressure. Longo Borghini was the rider everyone was watching, and to pull off a win takes focus and strength.
After a tough 118-kilometre hilly race, Longo Borghini certified that she is the best Italian women cyclist this year, crossing the line nearly a minute ahead of Katia Ragusa (Astana) and Marta Cavalli (Valcar-Travel & Service), who finished second and third respectively.
It was a very tough race on five laps, so we set a hard pace on the climbs so that no breakaway would go. With two laps to go, we attacked and we were three. On the last climb, I [attacked], and I went solo to the finish, as usual when I win a bike race actually.
It’s been really emotional. I’m very thankful, and I cannot wait now to race with my Tricolore. It’s just amazing. What a crazy season!