Spanish rider Mavi Garcia, at 41 years old, has just completed the best season of her career, claiming a stage win at the Tour de France Femmes and recently taking the bronze medal at the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda.
These results convinced the athlete from Palma de Mallorca – a former Duathlon champion who has spent the last two seasons with Liv AlUla Jayco – to continue racing for one more year and return to UAE Team ADQ to close out her professional career in the 2026 season.
Mavi Garcia already wore the Emirati team’s jersey in 2022, right at the beginning of the project, and has now decided to come back, signing a contract for the 2026 season, which will be the final chapter of her career.
“I think it’s the best option for me,” said Mavi Garcia. “I already know the team and many of the people here, both riders and staff. I believe I can make a strong contribution and play a different role now compared to what I’ve had before. With Elisa as the team leader, I want to support her and at the same time help the younger riders. I also want to share everything I’ve learned during my career and contribute to the team’s growth – maybe even after I stop racing.”
The 2025 season was an incredible year for the rider from Mallorca. “I think I can say I’ve reached the peak of my career this year with the Tour de France stage victory and now the World Championships bronze medal. It’s been truly special!”
One of the highlights of her career was also her time with UAE Team ADQ: “I have so many beautiful memories, but if I had to choose one, I’d say the 2022 Giro d’Italia Donne, where I finished third overall. I was in the best form of my life, and it was a hard-fought podium, where my teammates helped me a lot – especially Erica Magnaldi, who was fundamental. I’m happy to be her teammate again next year.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Mavi Garcia is excited to start this new and final chapter with UAE Team ADQ: “Even though it will be my last season on the bike, I’ll start it with renewed enthusiasm. I think I’ll approach it differently, enjoying it even more because it will be such a special season for me. I chose to return to UAE Team ADQ mainly to help the team achieve its goals. I’ve known the ambitions of this project since the very beginning, and I want to support Elisa Longo Borghini while also having a few opportunities for myself – because I believe you never stop improving.”
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team ADQ, said: “We say welcome home to Mavi Garcia. What she has achieved this year is truly remarkable and a great example of dedication and professionalism. When she expressed the desire to end her career with our team, we could only say yes. Mavi is an athlete who left a mark on this team at the beginning of our project, and knowing that we can count once again on her experience and passion is a huge motivation for all the young riders in our team.”
(ph. Getty Sport)
