Spanish rider Mavi García will return to UAE Team ADQ for the 2026 season, signing a one-year contract that will mark the final chapter of her professional career. The 41-year-old from Palma de Mallorca rejoins the Emirati squad after two seasons with Liv AlUla Jayco, following one of the most successful years of her career.
García enjoyed a resurgent 2025 campaign, taking a memorable stage victory at the Tour de France Femmes and claiming the bronze medal at the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda. Those results convinced her to extend her career for one final season, returning to the team where she finished third overall at the 2022 Giro d’Italia Donne.
“I think it’s the best option for me,” García said. “I already know the team and many of the people here, both riders and staff. I believe I can make a strong contribution and play a different role now compared to what I’ve had before. With Elisa as the team leader, I want to support her and at the same time help the younger riders. I also want to share everything I’ve learned during my career and contribute to the team’s growth – maybe even after I stop racing.”
Reflecting on her recent success, García described 2025 as a defining season. “I think I can say I’ve reached the peak of my career this year with the Tour de France stage victory and now the World Championships bronze medal. It’s been truly special.”
Her previous time with UAE Team ADQ remains a highlight, particularly her 2022 Giro d’Italia Donne podium. “I have so many beautiful memories, but if I had to choose one, I’d say the 2022 Giro d’Italia Donne, where I finished third overall. I was in the best form of my life, and it was a hard-fought podium, where my teammates helped me a lot – especially Erica Magnaldi, who was fundamental. I’m happy to be her teammate again next year.”
García said she plans to approach her final season with renewed perspective. “Even though it will be my last season on the bike, I’ll start it with renewed enthusiasm. I think I’ll approach it differently, enjoying it even more because it will be such a special season for me. I chose to return to UAE Team ADQ mainly to help the team achieve its goals. I’ve known the ambitions of this project since the very beginning, and I want to support Elisa Longo Borghini while also having a few opportunities for myself – because I believe you never stop improving.”
Team president Melissa Moncada welcomed García’s return, saying it reflected the team’s values of commitment and professionalism. “We say welcome home to Mavi García. What she has achieved this year is truly remarkable and a great example of dedication and professionalism. When she expressed the desire to end her career with our team, we could only say yes. Mavi is an athlete who left a mark on this team at the beginning of our project, and knowing that we can count once again on her experience and passion is a huge motivation for all the young riders in our team.”
Over a career spanning more than a decade, García has claimed 17 professional victories, including multiple Spanish road and time trial titles, Classic Lorient Agglomération in 2022, Giro dell’Emilia in 2021 and stages at the Vuelta a Burgos and Tour de France Femmes. Her blend of resilience and late-career success has made her one of Spain’s most accomplished riders.
