UAE Team L’IMAD has secured the top position in the 2026 UCI Women’s World Team Ranking, becoming the world’s number one women’s professional cycling team for the first time in its history.
The achievement marks a major milestone for the Abu Dhabi-based organisation, which has spent five years developing its presence in international women’s cycling.
Throughout the 2026 season, the team recorded 30 UCI road victories across nine different riders, demonstrating its strength across both one-day races and stage races.
The results also reflect the team’s growing depth, with several riders contributing to its success across the UCI Women’s WorldTour and wider international calendar.
UAE Team L’IMAD’s 2026 season delivers major victories
The team’s rise to the top of the world rankings followed a season of significant individual and collective achievements.
Elisa Longo Borghini played a central role, claiming the overall title at the UAE Tour Women before securing a stage victory at the Giro d’Italia Women.
She also achieved a historic result at the Tour de France Femmes, finishing third in the general classification and securing a podium finish for UAE Team L’IMAD.
Meanwhile, Paula Blasi added victories at the Amstel Gold Race and La Vuelta a España, contributing to the team’s success across different race formats.
Karlijn Swinkels also delivered a major result with victory at Trofeo Alfredo Binda, while Dominika Włodarczyk claimed two victories at Itzulia Women.
Together, these performances helped establish UAE Team L’IMAD as one of the most consistent teams throughout the season.
Strong performances across the women’s cycling calendar
Beyond its headline victories, the team continued to collect results through several members of its roster.
Eleonora Gasparrini, Lara Gillespie and Maeva Squiban were among the riders who contributed to the team’s competitive performances during the year.
Squiban concluded her season with victory at the Chrono des Nations, following her European title in the Mixed Relay Team Time Trial.
The team also collected medals at the UCI Road World Championships and European Championships, adding to its achievements on the international stage.
With contributions from its riders and technical staff, UAE Team L’IMAD accumulated enough ranking points to finish ahead of its closest rivals.
UAE Team L’IMAD Finishes Ahead of Closest Rivals in UCI Rankings
UAE Team L’IMAD finished the 2026 season at the top of the UCI Women’s World Team Ranking with 22,262.99 points, narrowly ahead of France’s FDJ United–SUEZ, which secured second place with 22,000.33 points.
Meanwhile, Team SD Worx–Protime completed the top three with 18,179 points.
With just 262.66 points separating the top two teams, UAE Team L’IMAD’s consistent performances throughout the season proved decisive in securing its first world number one ranking.
The result marks a significant milestone for the Abu Dhabi-based squad, reflecting its success across major international races and the contributions of riders throughout its roster.
World number one ranking marks milestone for UAE women’s cycling
The achievement represents an important step in UAE Team L’IMAD’s long-term development, as the organisation continues to expand its presence in professional women’s cycling.
Over the past five years, the team has invested in its sporting structure, recruited international talent and developed opportunities for riders to compete at the highest level.
Its success also reflects the support of Abu Dhabi and the team’s partners in developing professional cycling.
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team L’IMAD, described the ranking as a collective achievement.
“This is a historic milestone for our organisation and a proud achievement for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Becoming the number one women’s cycling team in the world reflects five years of commitment, a clear vision and the collective dedication of everyone who has contributed to this project.
I want to recognize our riders, sporting staff, management and partners, whose professionalism and commitment have made this possible. This achievement belongs to all of them.
Reaching the top of the world rankings is an important moment in our journey, but it also reinforces our responsibility to continue raising standards, developing talent and contributing to the future of women’s cycling.”
UAE teams top both women’s and men’s world rankings
UAE Team L’IMAD’s achievement coincides with UAE Team Emirates–XRG securing the leading position in the men’s world rankings.
As a result, UAE-backed teams have finished the 2026 season at the top of both the women’s and men’s international team rankings.
The two achievements represent a significant moment for the country’s growing presence in professional road cycling.
To mark the occasion, Abu Dhabi will host a celebration on October 31, 2026, bringing together riders, staff, partners and members of the wider cycling community.
The event will recognise the teams’ performances and the progress of professional cycling in the UAE.
UAE Team L’IMAD’s 2026 roster
The team’s 2026 roster brought together experienced international riders and developing talent across different cycling disciplines.
The squad included Alena Amialiusik, Elynor Backstedt, Paula Blasi, Brodie Chapman, Mavi García, Eleonora Gasparrini, Lara Gillespie, Alena Ivanchenko, Megan Jastrab and Febe Jooris.
Also representing the team were Elisa Longo Borghini, Erica Magnaldi, Greta Marturano, Silvia Persico, Pauliena Rooijakkers, Maeva Squiban, Karlijn Swinkels, Sofie van Rooijen, Federica Venturelli and Dominika Włodarczyk.
Following its first world number one finish, UAE Team L’IMAD will enter the next season aiming to build on its achievements and maintain its position among the leading teams in women’s professional cycling.
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