One of the brightest young talents in world cycling, 20-year-old Italian rider Federica Venturelli, is set to take the big step into the WorldTour with UAE Team ADQ.
The strong all-rounder from Cremona, who has been steadily developing within the UAE Development Team since joining in 2024, has signed a two-year contract with the WorldTour team for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. After Lara Gillespie and Paula Blasi, she becomes the latest rider from the Emirati team’s development program to be promoted to the senior team.
On the road, Venturelli has already collected two Elite victories – two stage wins at the Giro del Mediterraneo Rosa in 2024 – and this year she added a stage podium at the Tour de l’Avenir, claimed the Italian U23 Individual Time Trial title, became European Champion in the Individual Pursuit on the track and a few days ago, she won the bronze medal in the Women’s Under-23 time trial at the Road World Championships in Rwanda.
“I am grateful for the experience I have gained over the past two years with the UAE Development Team,” said Venturelli. “I am convinced that the transition from Junior to Elite level is a very delicate step, and the more gradually you approach it, the more you learn and the better you prepare yourself to go far.”
Despite dealing with several injuries that kept her away from racing for long periods, the young Italian has matured considerably: “This year I had the chance to take part in many races with the WorldTour team, and those were very positive experiences because they allowed me to learn a lot from more experienced riders, and even from a great champion like Elisa Longo Borghini,” she added.
Her move to UAE Team ADQ is a natural progression: “When I joined the Development Team two years ago, everything was new to me. Now it will be different: I already know most of the riders, with whom I’ve shared many races this year, and I know many of the staff as well. That gives me a lot of confidence that I can count on them in moments of difficulty. It makes me feel calm and motivated as I face this new challenge. I’m very happy to continue my career with UAE Team ADQ.”
Venturelli will turn 21 in January 2026. Still very young, she shows remarkable maturity and already has a clear vision for her future: “My main goal will be to keep growing and learning, because joining a WorldTour team is not a final achievement. I know I’m still very young, and I will have to work hard to improve and quickly adapt to such a competitive environment. I’m truly excited about my WorldTour debut, because it means I’ll get to race against the best riders in the world, at the highest level.”
Also a time trial specialist, she concluded: “Looking ahead, I’d like to continue developing in the time trial, as it’s a discipline that really suits me and one I enjoy. I’m confident the team will support me in this as well.”
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team ADQ, said: “Federica Venturelli has grown within our Development Team, proving to be one of the most promising talents in cycling. She already knows our environment well, and we are confident that in the coming years she will fully establish her talent at WorldTour level. Together with our coaches and sports directors, we will ensure she continues her development and help her bring out her best qualities.”
(foto Getty Sport)
