Elisa Longo Borghini Aims to Recapture Glorious Moment at UAE Tour Women’s Title Defense
Lidl-Trek’s Italian cyclist, Elisa Longo Borghini, is gearing up to defend her title at the UAE Tour Women event, hoping to relive the triumphant memory of her victory atop Jebel Hafeet last year.
“The feeling of crossing the finish line at Jebel Hafeet was unforgettable for me, and I aspire to replicate it for my team,” expressed Longo Borghini during the pre-race press conference at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.
While acknowledging her absence from recent competitions, Longo Borghini remains confident in her form and the strength of her team. “I’m versatile and well-prepared for all aspects of the race,” she noted. “But ultimately, our team’s success comes first. We’ll strategize day by day to position ourselves for the general classification.”
Challenging Longo Borghini are last year’s second and third-place finishers, Gaia Realini and Silvia Persico from UAE Team ADQ, alongside formidable contenders like world champion Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx.
Spanish national champion Mavi Garcia, debuting in this race, adds to the competitive field vying for the Red Jersey.
Representing the host country, UAE Team ADQ aims to improve upon last year’s performance, striving for stage wins and overall victory to promote cycling culture among Emirati women.
The race, spanning four days, features a diverse route traversing iconic landmarks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With 20 international teams and 120 riders, including the top contenders, the UAE Tour Women promises thrilling competition and marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 Women’s World Tour.
Schedule and Route for UAE Tour Women:
Thursday: Stage 1 – Dubai Miracle Garden to Dubai Harbour (122km) Friday: Stage 2 – Al Mirfa to Madinat Zayed (113km) Saturday: Stage 3 – Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet (128km) Sunday: Stage 4 – Abu Dhabi City to Abu Dhabi Breakwater (105km)
