UAE Team ADQ wrapped up the 2026 Giro d’Italia Women in the best possible way, with Elisa Longo Borghini claiming a magnificent victory in the final stage on her home roads in Saluzzo.
The closing stage, a demanding 145-kilometre route starting and finishing in the Piedmont town, delivered excitement and drama until the very end. It was a far from predictable finale, one that reshaped the overall standings with Demi Vollering taking the Maglia Rosa, while also providing the perfect stage for the Italian champion’s outstanding triumph.
After difficult weeks marked by hard work, setbacks and determination, Longo Borghini found extra motivation on familiar roads, inspired by the incredible support of the fans and the strength of her teammates. From the first climbs she showed she had both the legs and the determination to fight for victory.
With more than 80 kilometres still remaining, the UAE Team ADQ rider responded to an attack by Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) and Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon//SRAM), joining a move that would become the defining action of the day. The trio built an advantage of up to 1:42 over the favourites’ group featuring Demi Vollering and Anna van der Breggen.
As race leader Van der Breggen began to struggle, Vollering launched her own attack and eventually bridged across to the leaders in the closing kilometres. From there, the four riders worked together, each pursuing different objectives but united in their determination to stay clear until the finish.
Fisher-Black attempted to surprise her rivals with an early sprint, but Longo Borghini timed her effort perfectly. Displaying power, precision and determination, the Italian champion launched her sprint at exactly the right moment to take a commanding and emotionally charged victory.
It was a success that rewarded the entire team’s commitment throughout the Giro d’Italia Women and allowed UAE Team ADQ to conclude the race with a smile after being among the protagonists every single day.
Elisa Longo Borghini said after the finish: “Right now, I feel proud. Proud of my teammates, proud of my team, and also a little proud of myself. We came to this Giro not really knowing where my condition was. We fought and suffered every day, but thanks to my teammates we always found a way to enjoy ourselves and keep our morale high. Today I felt that I had to win. I woke up with a huge hunger inside me. When I saw Niedermaier attack, I told myself that even though there was still a very long way to go, it was the moment to move. I was sixth overall and had nothing to lose. I gave everything I had. I’m happy with this victory and I want to dedicate it to Alena Amialiusik. She is one of the strongest domestiques in the world. This was her final Giro d’Italia and she has been a very important teammate for me. This victory is for her.”
Elisa Longo Borghini eventually made up two places in the overall standings to finish fourth.
(ph. Getty Sport)
