UAE TEAM ADQ

Belarusian Alena Amialiusik, British Lizzie Holden and Russian Alena Ivanchenko have extended their contracts.

The ongoing development of a solid and competitive team for UAE Team ADQ continues with the contract renewals of three key athletes. These riders have significantly contributed to the team's growth in recent seasons and have decided, together with the team, to continue their journey for the upcoming seasons.

Belarusian Alena Amialiusik and British Lizzie Holden have extended their contracts for the 2025 season, while young Russian talent Alena Ivanchenko has signed a new two-year deal, securing her place on the team through 2025 and 2026.

Alena Amialiusik, 35, is one of the most experienced and respected riders in the women's international cycling peloton. Her extensive experience and professionalism have been invaluable to UAE Team ADQ over the past two years. This mutual desire to continue working together has led to her contract extension for the 2025 season, where she will once again provide leadership and support in the Classics and Grand Tours.

“The 2024 season started promisingly for me, but the second half was challenging after I fell ill following the Giro, which kept me out of racing for two months. Just as I was regaining my form, a crash at the Giro dell'Emilia ended my season prematurely due to a kidney injury. I’m ready to put these past few months behind me,” Amialiusik said.

“Looking ahead to my 2025 with UAE Team ADQ, I’m hoping for more luck. I’m excited to race with my teammates, especially alongside a great champion like Elisa Longo Borghini. I’m determined to return in top form, support the team in achieving our goals, and focus on my personal ambitions, which we’ll discuss at our first training camp,” she added.

At almost 21 years old, Alena Ivanchenko will also continue her development in elite cycling with UAE Team ADQ. Despite a challenging season, Ivanchenko, a former Junior Women’s ITT World Champion, has already shown her potential with significant victories and high placements in stage races, particularly excelling in time trials. Her contract extension for the 2025 and 2026 seasons will provide her with the stability needed to return to peak performance.

“I owe so much to the team, which has supported my growth over the past three years. UAE Team ADQ have helped me understand professional cycling, given me opportunities in major races and Grand Tours, and now I’m grateful for the trust they’ve shown in renewing my contract,” Ivanchenko said.

“I’ve learned a lot and gained invaluable experience. Now, I’m eager to apply that knowledge to future victories and continue improving,” she added.

The third renewal is for 27-year-old British rider Elizabeth Holden, who has signed on for the 2025 season. After a difficult start to the year due to injuries, Holden found consistency in her performances during the summer, becoming a key support rider for the team’s leaders, including during the Tour de France Femmes. Her positive contributions in recent months convinced UAE Team ADQ to invest in her for another season.

“I really appreciate that UAE Team ADQ have given me another chance and hopefully I can repay their faith in me and get back to where I was before. With the signings of riders like Elisa Longo Borghini, this will massively help the team and the rest of the riders step up,” Holden said.

Holden has been with the team since 2023 and has seen UAE Team ADQ grow and develop over the last two seasons. The former British national time trial champion aims to return to her best level in 2025 and support the team in a series of new challenges. With an emphasis on the Spring Classics and the Grand Tours, Holden emphasised the solid foundations built by the team and her excitement over what’s to come.

“There’s amazing relationships within the team and that’s given me confidence because I can feel the belief from everyone here. Next year I want to get back to a high level and support the leaders in the Classics and Grand Tours. We have a new aspect with a GC challenge going into those big races and I’d love to have a key role. It’s super exciting. We have a camp later this month and I’m looking forward to seeing all my teammates.”

Melissa Moncada, President and Head of UAE Team ADQ, commented on the renewals: “UAE Team ADQ strongly believes in the potential of these athletes and will continue to support them in fully expressing their talent. From the young Alena Ivanchenko to the experienced Lizzie Holden and Alena Amialiusik, these riders have made significant contributions to the team over the years, showcasing excellent qualities and fully embracing our vision. This motivated us to place our trust in them once again as we build the foundation of our future team.”