Elisa Longo Borghini capped off the 2026 Giro d’Italia Women with a memorable victory on her home roads, giving UAE Team ADQ a winning finish to one of the biggest races on the women’s cycling calendar.
The final stage featured a challenging 145-kilometre route starting and finishing in Saluzzo. What unfolded was a dramatic finale that not only delivered stage honours but also reshaped the overall classification, with Demi Vollering securing the Maglia Rosa.
Longo Borghini attacks with more than 80km remaining
After several difficult weeks marked by setbacks, hard work, and determination, Longo Borghini arrived at the final stage motivated by racing on familiar roads and encouraged by strong local support.
She showed her intentions early. With more than 80 kilometres still to race, the Italian champion responded to an attack from Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) and Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon//SRAM), joining what would become the decisive move of the day.
The trio worked together to build a lead that eventually stretched to 1 minute and 42 seconds over the favourites’ group, which included Demi Vollering and race leader Anna van der Breggen.
Race for pink jersey adds drama
As the race entered its decisive phase, Van der Breggen began to struggle under pressure.
Recognising the opportunity, Vollering launched an attack from the chasing group and successfully bridged across to the leaders in the closing kilometres.
The front of the race was then reduced to four riders: Longo Borghini, Fisher-Black, Niedermaier, and Vollering. Although each rider was racing for different objectives, they worked together to maintain their advantage over the chasing groups.
Perfectly timed sprint seals victory
The stage victory was ultimately decided in a sprint.
Fisher-Black attempted to catch her rivals off guard by launching an early effort. However, Longo Borghini remained composed and timed her sprint to perfection.
The Italian champion accelerated at exactly the right moment, producing a powerful finish to secure an emotional victory in front of home fans.
The result rewarded UAE Team ADQ’s consistent presence at the front of the race throughout the Giro and provided a fitting conclusion to a week in which the team played an active role in shaping the race every day.
Rider reaction
Longo Borghini said after the finish:
“Right now, I feel proud. Proud of my teammates, proud of my team, and also a little proud of myself. We came to this Giro not really knowing where my condition was. We fought and suffered every day, but thanks to my teammates we always found a way to enjoy ourselves and keep our morale high. Today I felt that I had to win. I woke up with a huge hunger inside me. When I saw Niedermaier attack, I told myself that even though there was still a very long way to go, it was the moment to move. I was sixth overall and had nothing to lose. I gave everything I had. I’m happy with this victory and I want to dedicate it to Alena Amialiusik. She is one of the strongest domestiques in the world. This was her final Giro d’Italia and she has been a very important teammate for me. This victory is for her.”
To learn more on Team ADQ, listen to Inside UAE Team ADQ with Melissa Moncada on the Mettleset podcast
