One of the best young talents in world cycling, the 20-year-old Italian Federica Venturelli, is preparing to make the big leap into the WorldTour with UAE Team ADQ.

The strong rider from Cremona, who has gradually matured in the UAE Development Team where she arrived in 2024, has signed a new two-year contract with the WorldTour team for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. After Lara Gillespie and Paula Blasi, another product of the Emirati development squad is being promoted to the main team.

In her road career, Venturelli already boasts two victories among the Elite, two stages at the Giro del Mediterraneo Rosa in 2024, this year she obtained a stage podium at Tour de l'Avenir, won the Italian individual time trial title among Women Under 23, conquered the European individual pursuit title on the track, and just a few days ago won the bronze medal in the Women Under 23 time trial at the World Road Championships in Rwanda.

"I am grateful for the experience gained in these two years with UAE Development Team," Federica Venturelli confessed. "I remain convinced that the transition from Junior to Elite category is very delicate and the more gradually one approaches it, the more one learns and prepares to go far."

Despite some too many injuries that kept her away from racing for a long time, she has gained considerable experience. "This year I had the opportunity to participate in many races with the WorldTour team, and these were many positive experiences because they gave me the chance to learn a lot from more experienced athletes and also from a great champion like Elisa Longo Borghini," Venturelli added.

The move to UAE Team ADQ from next year was a natural choice. "When I arrived in the Development Team two years ago, everything was new to me. Now it will be different, I already know most of the girls with whom I shared many races this year, I know many staff members, and therefore I know I can count on them even in difficult moments, and this gives me a lot of tranquility in facing this new leap. I am happy to continue my career with UAE Team ADQ," Venturelli explained.

Federica Venturelli will turn 21 next January, she is young, but with an impressive maturity of thought and a clear vision of her future plans: "The main objective will be to continue growing and learning because moving to a WorldTour team is not a final destination. I know I am still very young and that I will have to work hard to improve and feel comfortable as soon as possible in such a competitive environment. I am truly excited about my WorldTour debut because it will mean I can measure myself against the strongest athletes in the world, and the level will be extremely high."