The UAE-base women’s cycling team concludes the season at the top of the UCI World Rankings, marking a significant milestone in its five-year development.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 2026 – UAE Team L’IMAD has officially secured the number one position in the 2026 UCI Women’s World Team Ranking, becoming the world’s leading women’s professional cycling team for the first time in its history.
The achievement represents a defining milestone for the UAE-based organisation, reflecting five years of sustained investment, strategic development and commitment to excellence in international women’s cycling.
With 30 UCI road victories achieved by nine different riders, UAE Team L’IMAD demonstrated exceptional depth and consistency across the international racing calendar, establishing itself among the sport’s most competitive organisations.
A Season Defined by Performance and Consistency
The 2026 campaign brought together significant victories and landmark performances across the UCI Women’s WorldTour and international calendar.
Among the season’s defining achievements were Elisa Longo Borghini’s overall victory at the UAE Tour Women, Paula Blasi’s victories at the Amstel Gold Race and La Vuelta a España, Karlijn Swinkels’ success at Trofeo Alfredo Binda, and Dominika Włodarczyk’s double victory at Itzulia Women.
The team also achieved a historic podium at the Tour de France Femmes, with Elisa Longo Borghini finishing third overall, alongside her stage victory at the Giro d’Italia Women and medals at the UCI Road World Championships and European Championships.
Further results from Eleonora Gasparrini, Lara Gillespie, Maeva Squiban and other members of the squad reinforced the team’s competitive consistency throughout the season. Squiban concluded the campaign with victory at the Chrono des Nations, following her European title in the Mixed Relay Team Time Trial.
These performances, supported by the contribution of the entire roster and technical staff, secured UAE Team L’IMAD’s position at the top of the world rankings.
A Milestone for UAE Cycling and Women’s Sport
Beyond the sporting results, the world number-one ranking represents an important step in the long-term development of UAE Team L’IMAD and its ambition to establish an internationally recognised benchmark for performance, professionalism and sustainable growth in women’s cycling.
Since its establishment, the organisation has continued to strengthen its sporting structure, attract international talent and create opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level.
The achievement also reflects the continued commitment of Abu Dhabi and the team’s partners to supporting professional sport and contributing to the international development of women’s cycling.
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team L’IMAD, commented:
“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.”
Abu Dhabi to Celebrate a Historic Achievement
UAE Team L’IMAD’s world number-one ranking coincides with the achievement of UAE Team Emirates–XRG, which has also secured the leading position in the men’s world rankings.
The two achievements represent a significant moment for professional cycling in the UAE, with both teams reaching the highest level of international competition.
The milestone will be celebrated on 31 October 2026 in Abu Dhabi, bringing together riders, staff, partners and the wider cycling community to recognise a landmark season for UAE cycling.
UCI Women’s World Team Ranking – 2026
- UAE Team L’IMAD – 22262.99 points
- FDJ United – SUEZ – 22000.33 points
- Team SD Worx – Protime – 18179 points
UAE Team L’IMAD – 2026 Roster
Alena Amialiusik, Elynor Backstedt, Paula Blasi, Brodie Chapman, Mavi García, Eleonora Gasparrini, Lara Gillespie, Alena Ivanchenko, Megan Jastrab, Febe Jooris, Elisa Longo Borghini, Erica Magnaldi, Greta Marturano, Silvia Persico, Pauliena Rooijakkers, Maeva Squiban, Karlijn Swinkels, Sofie van Rooijen, Federica Venturelli and Dominika Włodarczyk.
