Italian · Turin, Italy · Born 10 December 1991Italian professional cyclist specializing in road racing and time trials, multiple national champion and Grand Tour stage winner with consistent top results.
Born in Verbania, Italy, on December 10, 1991, this accomplished cyclist emerged from the Piedmont region to become one of Europe's most consistent performers in women's professional cycling. Growing up near Lake Maggiore, she developed her athletic foundation through various sports before focusing on cycling during her teenage years, quickly distinguishing herself in junior competitions. Her professional career gained momentum in the early 2010s when she joined elite European teams, establishing herself as a formidable competitor across multiple disciplines. The breakthrough period came during the mid-2010s, when her versatility across different race formats became evident. She demonstrated exceptional ability in both single-day classics and multi-stage events, earning recognition for her tactical intelligence and climbing prowess. Her performances in major Italian races, including victories at prestigious events on home soil, cemented her status as the country's leading female cyclist of her generation. Among her most significant achievements are multiple podium finishes at World Championship events and strong showings at major European tours. She has consistently placed among the top competitors in women's professional cycling's most demanding events, including notable performances at the Giro d'Italia Femminile and other major stage races. Her palmares includes victories at several important one-day races, demonstrating her ability to excel across varied terrain from mountainous stages to challenging spring classics. Elisa Longo Borghini represents a pivotal generation in women's professional cycling, competing during a period of significant growth and increased visibility for the sport. Her consistent high-level performances over more than a decade have helped elevate the profile of Italian women's cycling on the international stage. As both a competitor and ambassador for the sport, she has contributed to the development of women's professional cycling in Italy while maintaining her position among Europe's elite cyclists well into her thirties.
She is most famous for winning the 2022 Giro d'Italia Femminile, becoming the first Italian woman to claim victory in her home grand tour since its revival.
How They Played
Longo Borghini is known for her versatility across different cycling disciplines, excelling in both endurance road events and technical track racing. She possesses strong climbing abilities combined with excellent tactical awareness, making her effective in both mountainous stage races and flat classics. Her experience in track cycling has contributed to her powerful sprint finish and bike handling skills on the road.
Lasting Impact
Longo Borghini has been instrumental in raising the profile of women's cycling in Italy and internationally, consistently performing at the highest level across multiple Olympic cycles.
Career Honours
- Olympic Bronze Medal Road Race Tokyo 2021
- Paris–Roubaix Femmes 2024
- Strade Bianche 2015
- Strade Bianche 2020
- Strade Bianche 2023
- Giro Donne 2024
- Tour de France Femmes Stage Winner 2023
- Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes 2022
- Tour of Flanders 2021
- UCI Women's WorldTour Overall 2024
- Italian National Road Race Champion 2023
- Italian National Road Race Champion 2024
Italian Athletes