UAE Team L'IMAD has officially conquered first place in the UCI Women's World Team Ranking 2026, becoming for the first time in its history the number one professional women's cycling team in the world.

This result represents a fundamental milestone in the journey of the organization based in the United Arab Emirates and testifies to five years of constant investment, strategic development, and commitment to excellence in international women's cycling. With 30 UCI road victories achieved by nine different athletes, UAE Team L'IMAD has demonstrated great squad depth and consistent performance throughout the entire international racing calendar, establishing itself among the most competitive realities in world cycling.

A season marked by results and consistency. The 2026 season was characterized by important victories and outstanding performances in the UCI Women's WorldTour races and the international calendar. Among the most significant successes are Elisa Longo Borghini's final victory at the UAE Tour Women, Paula Blasi's triumphs at the Amstel Gold Race and the Vuelta a España, Karlijn Swinkels' success at the Trofeo Alfredo Binda, and Dominika Włodarczyk's double victory at the Itzulia Women.

The team also achieved a historic podium at the Tour de France Femmes, with Elisa Longo Borghini third in the general classification, combining this result with a stage victory at the Giro d'Italia Women and medals obtained at the Road World Championships and European Championships.

The further results of Eleonora Gasparrini, Lara Gillespie, Maeva Squiban, and other team athletes further confirmed the competitiveness and consistent performance of the group throughout the season. Squiban concluded the year by winning the Chrono des Nations, after having secured the European title in the mixed team time trial.

These performances, supported by the contribution of the entire squad and technical staff, enabled UAE Team L'IMAD to reach the top of the world ranking.

A milestone for Emirati cycling and women's sport. Beyond the sporting results, first place in the world ranking represents an important step in the long-term growth journey of UAE Team L'IMAD and its ambition to become an international point of reference for performance, professionalism, and sustainable development of women's cycling.

Since its foundation, the organization has continued to strengthen its sporting structure, attract international talent, and create opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest levels.
This milestone also reflects Abu Dhabi's and the team's partners' constant commitment 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 organization and a source of great pride for Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. Becoming the number one women's cycling team in the world is the result of five years of commitment, a clear vision, and the collective dedication of all the people who have contributed to this project. I wish to acknowledge the merit of our athletes, the sporting staff, management, and partners, whose professionalism and dedication made this result possible. This milestone belongs to all of them.
Reaching the top of the world ranking is an important moment in our journey, but it also reinforces our responsibility to continue raising standards, valuing talent, and contributing to the future of women's cycling".

Abu Dhabi celebrates a historic milestone. UAE Team L'IMAD's first place worldwide coincides with the result achieved by UAE Team Emirates–XRG, which in turn conquered the top of the men's UCI world ranking. The two successes represent a significant moment for professional cycling in the United Arab Emirates, with both teams at the top of international competition. The milestone will be celebrated on October 31, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, in an event that will bring together athletes, staff, partners, and the broader cycling community to pay tribute to a memorable season for Emirati cycling.

UCI Women's World Team Ranking – 2026