In her UAE Tour Women's debut with UAE Team ADQ, Silvia Persico performed her new leadership role well, finishing third overall.

The Italian all-rounder took her time in the two opening sprint stages, and in the decisive Jebel Hafeet, she finished third among the top climbers, securing her position on the final podium at the Abu Dhabi breakwater.

"I am very proud of UAE Team ADQ and all that I have accomplished in this amazing first edition of the UAE Tour Women's event. To make history in the first (Women's World Tour) race in the Middle East with the national flag on my jersey was an unforgettable moment."

Not only did UAE Team ADQ finish third overall with Persico, but Chiara Consonni also finished second in the sprint class behind Charlotte Cool (Team DSM) to take the overall team win to conclude the four-day race.

"I raced as hard as I could and the team pulled me up to third in GC. The team worked very well in the sprint for Chiara and on the climbs for me," Persico said.

"I want to thank my staff and especially the countries of the UAE for their support. We couldn't have done it without you guys. We leave the UAE with great memories and fuel for the rest of the season until next year."

Persico's move from successful development team Valcar Travel & Service to UAE team ADQ was an inevitable move after a remarkable performance in the Tour de France Fam.

The 25-year-old has shown impressive strength in sprints and mountains as she takes the next step in her career, taking a leadership role in the Women's World Tour.

She finished third overall in the team's home race, proving that she is well on her way to becoming one of the most versatile leaders as the team heads into the spring classics and summer stage races.

The team lost seven riders in the transfer market, including Mavi Garcia, but gained eight new ones in Conssoni, Eleonora Camila Gasparini, Olivia Baril, Karolina Cumiega, Alena Amialiushik, Mikayla Harvey, and Elizabeth Holden.