Abu Dhabi:UAE Team L'IMAD has reached a historic milestone by securing the top position in the 2026 UCI Women's World Team Ranking for the first time. The team finished ahead of competitors FDJ United-SUEZ and Team SD Worx-Protime.
According to Wam, this achievement is the result of five years of sustained investment and strategic development, demonstrating the team's commitment to excellence in international women's cycling. Throughout the season, UAE Team L'IMAD secured 30 UCI road victories through nine different riders. Notable achievements include Elisa Longo Borghini winning the overall title at the UAE Tour Women, Paula Blasi capturing victories at the Amstel Gold Race and La Vuelta a España, Karlijn Swinkels winning Trofeo Alfredo Binda, and Dominika Wlodarczyk claiming two victories at Itzulia Women.
The team also excelled at the Tour de France Femmes, with Elisa Longo Borghini finishing third overall and achieving a stage victory at the Giro d'Italia Women. Additionally, the team earned medals at the UCI Road World Championships and European Championships. Riders Eleonora Gasparrini, Lara Gillespie, and Maeva Squiban also delivered notable performances, with Squiban winning the Chrono des Nations following her European title in the Mixed Relay Team Time Trial.
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team L'IMAD, described the world number-one ranking as a historic milestone and a proud achievement for both Abu Dhabi and the UAE. She emphasized the significance of the team's collective dedication, clear vision, and the contributions of riders, sporting staff, management, and partners. Moncada highlighted the ranking as reinforcing the team's responsibility to continue developing talent and raising performance standards in women's cycling.
Moncada also expressed the team's commitment to enhancing its international presence, developing its sporting structure, and attracting international talent, enabling riders to compete at the highest level. This achievement aligns with UAE Team Emirates-XRG's success in securing the top position in the men's world rankings, underscoring the UAE's rising prominence in international cycling.