Italian star Elisa Longo Borghini has confirmed her move to UAE Team ADQ for 2025, signing a three-year contract after six successful seasons with Lidl-Trek. The reigning Giro d’Italia Women winner will take on a leadership role with her new team, targeting both Grand Tours and the Spring Classics.
The 32-year-old, who claimed the Giro d’Italia Women title for the first time in 2024, spoke about her decision to join UAE Team ADQ, stating, “The team attracted me the most from the beginning because it’s an ambitious team and it aims to grow every year. This matches my character. I’m ambitious and I’m really looking forward to targeting many races with this team. I will try to defend my title at the Giro d’Italia and try to win the Tour de France and one of the Ardennes.”
Longo Borghini has had a standout season, also winning her second Tour of Flanders, as well as securing bronze medals at the World Championships in Zurich and a podium at Strade Bianche. Speaking on her ambitions, she added, “As a world-class rider I’m also aiming to be a role model and inspire the community of women in the UAE towards a healthy lifestyle.”
Her move brings an end to a highly successful stint with Lidl-Trek, where she achieved notable victories including Paris-Roubaix, the Women’s Tour, and the UAE Tour. Lidl-Trek manager Luca Guercilena commented on her departure, acknowledging the end of a fruitful collaboration. “Elisa Longo Borghini has made the decision to leave the team at the end of the season, despite our desire to extend her contract. Together we achieved great results, thanks to the support that the team and her teammates gave her. We wish Elisa all the best for the coming seasons.”
At UAE Team ADQ, Longo Borghini will join fellow Italian riders Silvia Persico and Eleonora Gasparrini, bolstering an already strong squad. Melissa Moncada, president and head of UAE Team ADQ, praised her new signing, saying, “Elisa brings a winning mentality and a generous experience that will inspire and boost our team to new heights. We are ready to achieve greatness and inspire others along the way.”
Longo Borghini’s 2024 season saw her dominate not only the Giro but also the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Brabantse Pijl, while consistently finishing on the podium in major races such as the Omloop het Nieuwsblad and La Flèche Wallonne. The Italian national champion’s impressive record includes wins at Trofeo Alfredo Binda and Giro dell’Emilia. Her transition to UAE Team ADQ will certainly be watched closely as she looks to add more victories to an already illustrious career.
Main photo credit: Getty
