UAE team ADQ announced that it has signed Giro d'Italia women's winner Elisa Longo Borghini to a three-year contract.

Longo Borghini returned to her absolute best form this year after a 2023 season plagued by illness and injury.

Highlights of 2024 include a second win at the Tour de Flanders, nine years after his first, and his first Giro d'Italia women's title after 13 appearances in his home Grand Tour. Longo Borghini also made the podium at the World Championships road race and Strade Bianche.

With Lidl-Trek, she also won Paris-Roubaix, GP Plouay, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, the Women's Tour, and the UAE Tour, with winning the Tour de France Women's and defending the Maria Rosa as key goals.

“The team is ambitious and aims to grow every year, which is what attracted me most from the beginning,” said Longo Borghini.

“This fits my personality. I'm an ambitious person and I'm really looking forward to targeting many races with this team. I intend to defend my title at the Giro d'Italia and win the Tour de France and the Ardennes.”

Lidl-Trek manager Luca Guercilena admitted in May that Longo Borghini was leaving the team, but after a very successful partnership there was no bad blood between the two.

“Elisa Longo Borghini made the decision to leave the team at the end of the season, despite her desire to extend her contract with Lidl Trek. This is part of the game,” Guercilena said.

“The team and her teammates have supported her and together we have achieved great results. I wish Longo Borghini all the best for the upcoming season.”

Longo Borghini, along with Silvia Persico and Eleonora Gasparini, will form a strong core of Italian stars on the team and bring a wealth of experience to the UAE ADQ team.

“Elisa is not just a world leader, she represents excellence in this sport. Her commitment to her career and her consistent victories in both Grand Tours and one-day races show the spirit of a true champion,” said Melissa Moncada, president and representative of UAE ADQ. Elisa brings a winning mentality and generous experience that will inspire and push our team to new heights”

. [We are dedicated to continuous improvement and development, and Elisa's leadership will be the driving force behind our future success. Together we are poised to achieve greatness and inspire others in the process.