UAE Team ADQ has added another rising star to its pathway system with the signing of 18-year-old Ukrainian rider Milana Ushakova, who will turn professional with the UAE Development Team from the 2026 season.
Born in Kyiv and now based in Leuven, Belgium, Ushakova has quietly built one of the most impressive junior résumés in European cycling. Over the past two years she has dominated at home, winning both the national road race and time trial titles two seasons in a row. Her track pedigree is equally strong, having earned bronze medals at both the Track World Championships and the European Championships, following in the footsteps of her older brother, a World Championship medalist.
“UAE has always been my favorite WorldTour team. I’ve always admired the work of UAE Team ADQ and dreamed of one day becoming one of their riders,” said Ushakova.
That dream started to take shape after two standout junior seasons caught the attention of the Ukrainian Cycling Federation. “I worked very hard during my two junior racing seasons, which helped me attract the attention of the Ukrainian Cycling Federation. Together with the coaches and the president of the Federation, we achieved this wonderful result: I’ve signed a contract with the team I’ve always dreamed of,” she explained.
Ushakova describes the move as the ideal launchpad for her pro career. “I believe this is the best place to start my professional career. I also think it’s the best opportunity to grow and achieve my goals. I chose this team because I believe I can develop here in the right and gradual way and maybe one day become a key rider in the WorldTour team.”
A natural climber with strong stage race instincts and a fast-improving time trial, Ushakova sees her all-round abilities as the foundation for her next chapter. “I would really like to work on improving my individual time trial skills, because my main goal is to become a specialist in that discipline. I also want to improve in climbing, which I consider my strongest point, but there’s still a lot to work on. And, of course, I also need to improve my weaknesses, such as my sprinting skills.”
With her first season on the horizon, she is ready to settle into the team environment and step into the demands of the professional ranks. “I can’t wait to race with my new team, to learn how to work together with my new teammates and help each other during races. I expect to perform well in all the competitions I’ll take part in.”
For UAE Team ADQ, Ushakova represents another long-term investment in the region’s next generation of riders. “Milana Ushakova is another young talent joining our Development Team. She’s a very promising rider, and we’re confident that within our structure she’ll have the right people and resources to grow and continue chasing her dreams,” said Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team ADQ.
