Marta Bastianelli's pending retirement has been put on hold as she has extended her contract and will race for UAE team ADQ in 2023.

The 35-year-old Italian rider has seven wins this year and aims to continue her success for one more season before deciding on her future in the sport.

"I am really happy to continue with this team. We decided together that I can contribute to the young and new riders with my experience for one more season. I want to finish my career with another Grand Tour and a win, and after that I want to decide with the team the final step of my career," said Marta Bastianelli.

"On the other hand, I am proud and excited to be back with the UAE Team ADQ project, the philosophy of UAE Team ADQ is in line with my values of sharing knowledge and always moving forward. In the final chapter of my career, I intend to give my best as always and win again."

Bastianelli, the 2007 world champion, signed with UAE Team ADQ for the first season of this year after UAE Team ADQ took over from its predecessor Ale BTC Ljubljana.

While she specializes in spring classics, she has been selective in stage races throughout the season. She won the Tour of Flanders, Ghent-Wevelgem, Ronde van Drenthe, Volgorda West Sweden, the European Championships, and the Giro d'Italia Donne.

Under UAE team ADQ, Bastianelli won seven races this year, including the team's first Vuelta CV Feminas win and Elsie Jacobs' overall victory. He also finished second in the sixth stage of the Tour de France Femmes in July.

"Last season, Marta proved to be a unique rider with strong skills and expertise," said team manager Rubens Bertogliati.

"She has won several times with our team and we are very happy that she has decided to race for UAE Team ADQ for another year. For us, she is a pillar of our team and her actions and experience are invaluable for the young riders on our team."

"We are very happy to have her on our team.

Bastianelli's contract extension will see her lead the UAE team ADQ.

In addition to Sylvia Persico, who made a splash in the Tour de France Fam, UAE Team ADQ has signed Olivia Baril, Chiara Consonni, and Eleonora Gasparini from Valcar Travel & Service. Alena Amiariushik and Mikayla Harvey join UAE Team ADQ from Canyon-SRAM to further strengthen their climbing strengths.

The team also signed Davide Arzeni of Valcar Travel & Service as its new sports director starting in 2023.

"I really like the project behind the team. We have climbers, sprinters, and all-rounders, so it's a very balanced team.

"This is a very important step in my career, but also a very exciting step. I have a lot of experience and I'm looking forward to sharing that with my new teammates and learning from them." [UAE Team ADQ is a new project that goes far beyond sports and I love it! As female athletes, we can show by our own example that there are no limits and that we can do anything, in any sport, in any job, without limitations. We strongly demonstrate and change the image of women in sport."

Bastianelli is the last player to join UAE Team ADQ's 15-player roster in 2023.