Elisa Longo Borghini has not wasted much time celebrating her medal wins at the UCI World Road Championships riding for Italy as she has now signed a new deal with UAE Team ADQ.
The classics and Grand Tour will join Lara Gillespie at the United Arab Emirates-backed team next season, with the squad saying the signing of such a big name rider will bring it to an entirely new level.
Gillespie was back in road race action at Binche Chimay Binche pour Dames (1.1) in Belgium yesterday, finishing 25th, some 20 seconds down on winner Cat Ferguson, the new junior world road race champion riding for Movistar.
And from next season the young Irish rider will be in a position to learn a lot from Longo Borghini, who will lead her new team at the classics, Grand Tours and other events.
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“Elisa is not just a world leader; in our sport she is the representation of excellence," said Melissa Moncada, the president and head of the team. Her career commitment and consistent victories in both Grand Tours and one-day races shows the spirit of a true champion.
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"Elisa brings a winning mentality and a generous experience that will inspire and boost our team to new heights. From our very first conversations, it was clear that Elisa and UAE Team ADQ share a profound alignment in vision and purpose.
"We are dedicated to continuous improvement and development, and Elisa’s leadership will be the driving force behind our future successes. Together, we are ready to achieve greatness and inspire others along the way."
Longo Borghini said she was attracted to the team, which she joins on a three-year contract, as it was growing each season and had big plans for the years ahead.
“This matches my character. I’m an ambitious person 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.
"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."
