This morning we were joking in text messages that today was going to be a big milestone, so when we finally get around to it Talk to Elisa Longo Borghini about the victory she just secured at Jebel Hafeet, his tone of voice is cheerful, like that of someone who has correctly solved the algebra expression and finally arrived at the right answer.
The transfer after the finish line takes a couple of hours, giving us time to talk about and comment on the races of the past few days. The new Colnago Y1Rs used in the fast stages and the V4Rs TodayTwo years ago, on the same climb, the Italian champion had won in front of his companion Gaia Realini, but today she arrived alone, making the decisive push 3,5 kilometers from the summit.
«It certainly has a nice effect – she says and we hear her smile – because it is the first victory in the jersey UAE and here in addition UAEThey care a lot about it and today the girls were truly exceptional. With Silvia (Perch, ed.) we had a great sleep and remained outside the fan, but Backstedt waited for us and brought us back in in a second. The plan at that point was clear: it was up to the others to take me away., while I would have tried to win the stage."
A team victory
Ce he had told it before disappearing on Teide. A first retreat to prepare for the race of the Emirates, who have been his employers since this year. From three degrees below zero in Ornavasso to the heat in the Canary Islands and then the flight to the desert. The UAE Team Adq came in UAE February 1st and the girls had time to acclimatize.
"I had a good feeling," Elisa continued, "and I knew I was fine. The training camp at Teide went well, and although it's difficult to make any predictions, when I heard Slongo say that I could do well, I understood that I had the right legsAnd I really cared about it, I always want to win. For myself, for the team, for my teammates. It was truly a team victory, in the sense that I imposed myself by force but after a great effort from my companions. Now I hope to be able to maintain this condition in view of the classics."
The home run
For UAE Team Adq is a result worth toasting, even with non-alcoholic drinks, as prescribed by the religion over there. It was already clear during the training camp in Benidorm that do good to UAE Tour Women's cycling It would have been the best way to start the season, just as Pogacar will soon have to try to imitate Longo.
"From the beginning," he smiles, "they told us clearly that this was our home race and that we had to do well. It's obvious, they don't ask to win, but to show and honor the shirtI think it's also fair, since it's the only race we do in the Middle East. All the sponsors are from here and that's also why I'm happy to have crossed the finish line first, because it's a way to repay the trust they placed in me».
The heat from the asphalt
Don't think it was easy. Distance of 152 kilometers. Wind and fans on the plains.. Hot. And then the final climb of almost 15 kilometers up to 1.000 meters above sea level, which brought the race average to 38,560 km/h.
«This climb is very selective – explains Longo Borghini – because there is not a meter of shade and it is like climbing into a blanket of heatSo, if you overrev too much you pay for it, because you feel the heat coming from the asphalt. It's a bit like when you go uphill in the summer, in the middle of summer, at midday.We managed it well, and I'm proud of that. I found myself in a group that believes in me so much, and that gives me a lot of motivation. Even the girls, believing in it a lot, give 110 percentToday they have always been close to me. Waiting for the others' moves could have been a risk, however. Sometimes you have to take risks to try to win races».
The double Teide
The last stage tomorrow: a 145,5 kilometre long flat course, with a thousand curves through the Abu Dhabi marina, but without any elevation gain. Then it will be time to return to Europe, where another surprise awaits.
«Once the race is over – explains Elisa – we will stay here for a day UAE to visit some sponsors and we will return to Italy on February 11th. I will spend a few quiet days at home and I will finally meet my husband Jacopo (Moscow, ed.) who I haven't seen since January 9th when he left for AustraliaHe will then leave again on Valentine's Day for the Figueira Champions Classic and then the Algarve, while I will return to Teide and prepare the March events, with the Strade Bianche as the first raceIt's the first time I've gone to Teide twice so quickly at the start of the season. It's a decision made by the team, which is also investing in this, so I'll be up there with two friends and obviously the ever-present Slongo will also be thereBut let's take it one step at a time. Starting like this is a good way to tackle the rest, I'm happy. See you when we get back to Europe."
