Elisa Longo Borghini was born on December 10, 1991, in Ornavasso, Italy. Growing up in the scenic region of Piedmont, Elisa was surrounded by mountains and hills that would shape her future as a cyclist. Inspired by her family’s passion for sports, she began training at a young age and quickly showed her talent and determination on the road. Her early success in junior competitions, especially in climbing stages, marked her as a promising talent in Italian cycling.
In 2011, Longo Borghini made her breakthrough at the professional level with an impressive season that highlighted her potential in the classics and as a strong all-arounder. The following year, she claimed her first significant victory, winning bronze in the road race at the 2012 UCI Road World Championships. Her fearless style and climbing ability quickly established her as one of the most exciting new talents in women’s cycling.
Over the next few years, Longo Borghini developed into one of the world’s best riders in both one-day classics and multi-stage races. She won her first Italian National Championship in 2014 and took her first major classic victory in the Tour of Flanders in 2015, a win that showcased her grit and strategic acumen on the cobbles. Her performances continued to improve, and she became a consistent contender in prestigious races such as Strade Bianche, where she has secured multiple podiums.
In 2016, Elisa added an Olympic bronze medal to her list of achievements at the Rio Games, where she powered through a tough course to finish on the podium. In the years that followed, she won major races like the 2017 and 2021 editions of Strade Bianche and the Trofeo Alfredo Binda, solidifying her place among the elite. She consistently earned high finishes in races like the Giro Rosa and La Course by Le Tour de France.
In 2022, Longo Borghini achieved another career highlight by winning Paris-Roubaix Femmes in a stunning solo effort on the brutal cobbled roads. This victory earned her even greater recognition in the international cycling community.
Longo Borghini’s skill set has made her a versatile powerhouse in women’s cycling. Known for her tactical intelligence and unyielding spirit, she is one of Italy’s finest cyclists.