UAE Team L’IMAD has announced the signing of American Olympic and World Champion Lily Williams, who will join the team from the 2027 season on a two-year contract.
The 31-year-old, who lives in Marseille, France, brings extensive experience across both track and road cycling. A World Champion and Olympic Champion on the track, Williams has also built a strong road racing record, including second place on a stage of the Giro d’Italia and third at Nokere Koerse.
The move marks a significant new chapter for Williams. Until now, she has spent her entire professional career with the same team.
Williams ready for a new challenge
Williams came to cycling following a career in running. Since then, she has steadily developed the technical skills and race experience needed to compete at the highest level.
“I have been on the same team for my entire career up until this point,” Williams said. “I started cycling after a career in running, and I needed time to build the skills and race knowledge as a rider before I was ready to make a step to a top team. Now I am 100% prepared to be a key rider in a lineup that is capable of winning Monuments and Grand Tours alike.”
Several riders encouraged Williams to speak with UAE Team L’IMAD about joining the squad. She said the positive feedback from her future teammates played an important role in her decision.
“When you know that your future colleagues are excited to work with you and willing to back you, then you know that the environment is good and the support for the riders is strong,” she said.
“I am excited to give back to the team for this opportunity, and I know I can be a great asset across many different race scenarios.”
Versatility and teamwork at the heart of Williams’ racing
Williams is particularly suited to demanding and technical races. Her strengths include positioning, riding in crosswinds and breakaways, as well as navigating cobbled courses.
She has also developed into an effective sprint lead-out specialist. Meanwhile, her ability to read courses and anticipate how races may unfold allows her to make tactical decisions for both herself and her teammates.
For Williams, that contribution to the wider team is an important part of her identity as a rider.
“While I have had some really nice results of my own, my real skills as a rider are in being a teammate and doing what is necessary to deliver the team to a good result,” she said.
“I experience a lot of happiness and fulfillment when I can do a great lead-out for a victory or help position for the crucial moments.”
Aiming for another step forward with UAE Team L’IMAD
Joining one of the world’s leading women’s cycling teams gives Williams an opportunity to continue developing alongside riders targeting victories in some of the sport’s biggest races.
“Each year since I began racing in Europe my level has gotten higher and has tracked with the increasing level of the women’s peloton,” she said.
“Now that I will be on one of the world’s top teams I expect that I will have the support and resources to make another jump in my career, and I expect to be in more selections fighting for the win or attacking with a teammate.”
Williams also plans to continue developing her time trialling and climbing as she works towards becoming a more complete rider.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work on these skills so I can be as versatile of a rider as possible,” Williams said. “I have made big jumps also in my mental training and experiencing the power of good mental skills has been exciting.”
Leadership beyond race results
Away from racing, Williams enjoys reading, sewing, swimming and working on bikes. She also has a strong interest in music and has been learning French since moving to Marseille.
Her ability to communicate, remain calm under pressure and support those around her are qualities she hopes to bring to her new team.
“I am honest, both with myself and others. This allows me to learn quickly from my mistakes and also help to build other people up. I am a natural leader and enjoy helping other people reach their goals. I am able to stay calm in stressful situations and I am a great communicator.”
With her Olympic and World Championship pedigree, growing road experience and commitment to teamwork, Williams will add further depth and versatility to UAE Team L’IMAD from 2027.
The move also represents the next stage of her own career. After years of developing in the European peloton, Williams will now test herself within a team targeting victories across Monuments, Grand Tours and other major races.
UAE Team L’IMAD welcomes Williams
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team L’IMAD, welcomed Williams to the team and highlighted her continued development throughout her career.
“Let’s welcome Lily to our team. She is a young woman with a wonderful personality who has shown continuous growth throughout her career. We are confident that our team will provide her with the right tools to continue her journey in the world of cycling in the best possible way.”
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