“I really owe a lot to Realini" - Elisa Longo Borghini more than grateful after one-two finish at UAE Tour

After giving us what will surely be the enduring image of the 2023 women's UAE Tour following a one-two victory alongside her teammate Gaia Realini, Elisa Longo Borghini revealed her delight at how things turned out.

“I really owe a lot to Realini, she was very important today. She set a very fast pace. We knew that if we kept our pace we could cross the finish line together”, said the Trek-Segafredo star. “From the team car, after some calculations, it was finally decided to let me win because of the standings.”

“I have to thank the whole team. They've been riding in the wind for me all day," the modest Italian continued. When Cavalli fell behind we tried to keep the pace high so she couldn't come back. They are real champions."

Following her victory, Longo Borghini also took the overall lead in the general classification of the UAE Tour and with just a relatively flat stage to go, the Italian must be feeling confident in her chances of victory.