Elisa Balsamo has signed a contract extension with Trek-Segafredo that will see her race for the US Women's WorldTour team through 2026.

General manager Luca Guercilena said it was not only her winning sprints that led to the contract extension, but also her enthusiasm, charisma, determination, and team spirit.

"It is reductive to think that we proposed the extension solely because of her results. Her enthusiasm, charisma, determination, team spirit, and always proactive approach. These qualities have made her an all-round leader in a short time," Guercilena said.

"When we first signed her, before she won the World Championships in Leuven, she was a well-known and promising talent. A year later we are now talking about one of the strongest riders on the scene. And in our opinion, the best is yet to come."

After winning the road racing world title in Leuven at the end of 2021, Balsamo signed his first WorldTour contract with Trek-Segafredo for the 2022 season. He capped off a remarkable year in the rainbow jersey by winning the first stage of the Setmana Valenciana in February and the fifth and final stage of the Serratigit Challenge by La Vuelta in September.

During this period, Balsamo scored what he called a "golden week" of victories at the Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Bourges des Pannes, and Ghent-Wevelgem. He also won a stage at the Tour de Suisse, two victories at the Giro d'Italia Donne, and a road race at the Italian national championships.

"The bond that has developed between this team and me is amazing, almost unique," said Balsamo, who will graduate in modern literature in Turin in April. We have such a deep connection that a few days ago, when I was on the track at the European Championships, I got goosebumps when I saw Elisa [Longo Borghini] and Gaia [Reallini] win the UAE Tour."

"I wasn't there, but the sense of belonging to this group excited me as if I was pedaling with them. This fact perfectly illustrates how important this team is to me.

"2022 was an unforgettable year, but there is a story yet to be written. I have many goals in my mind and I share the same ambitions with my team. Luca and Ina (Teutenberg) jokingly threw me a challenge to become a collector of classics: ...... Needless to say, that challenge was accepted."

Teutenberg said that Balsamo's performance, training, and involvement with her teammates exceeded her expectations from last season and that she is looking forward to the next four seasons.

"She paid tribute to the world champion jersey. She responded beautifully to the pressure and expectations with great results. She is a special rider and one that team directors always want to work with. I'm really excited for what's to come."