Longo Borghini to start in the Giro and Tour, but she has a clear preference

Elisa Longo Borghini achieved her dream last year by winning the Giro d’Italia Women. So, what’s next after reaching the top? You simply go for it again. That’s exactly the plan for the Italian cyclist this season: to defend her title.

This winter, Longo Borghini left the familiar environment of Lidl-Trek after six years. Those years were highly successful, especially the last three, which were like a highlight reel. At 33, the experienced Italian is making the switch to UAE Team ADQ, but her ambitions remain unchanged.

Longo Borghini ambitious, Imola stage in particular appeals to her

"I want to be at my best for the Giro and simply hope to do my best. If my best means I win, then that's great," Longo Borghini told CyclingUpToDate during the presentation of the Giro d’Italia Women route.

Naturally, the reigning champion couldn’t miss the route presentation this week. What are her first impressions of the new course? "I like the route a lot. It's open to lots of tactics and race scenarios. It suits my abilities pretty well too. I especially like the final Imola stage. I lost the world title there in 2020 and want to make up for that. I hope to have more 'grinta' and do better than a podium placing," she stated, her ambitions shining through.

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Giro takes priority over the Tour 

In 2023, Longo Borghini had to leave the Tour de France Femmes early due to a skin infection. In 2024, the plan was to attempt a double victory by following up her Giro win with a strong showing in the French Grand Tour. However, a training crash derailed that plan. Now, in 2025, she’s revisiting the plan and hopes everything will fall into place. Nonetheless, her home race remains her top priority. "The Tour de France is on my calendar but it's in second place behind the Giro because of the love I have for my home race and because I won last year."

Her victory in the Giro marked the first time Longo Borghini claimed her home race. "Winning the 2024 Giro has given me a lot of 'grinta' and determination. The pressure is off my shoulders now, I've won the Giro. Now it's up to everyone else to feel the pressure."

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