“You’re making it up, those articles hurt” – Elisa Longo Borghini hits back over media treatment of UAE and Paula Blasi
CyclingWednesday, 05 August 2026 at 14:00
Elisa Longo Borghini has launched a furious defence of UAE Team L’IMAD and teammate Paula Blasi amid reports of tension within the team at the Tour de France Femmes.
Questions over whether Blasi should be given a leadership role, together with rumours that the young Spaniard could leave at the end of the season, have fuelled speculation over the atmosphere inside the UAE camp.
Longo Borghini was asked about the situation following the Stage 4 time trial and made little attempt to hide her frustration. “I want to say one thing: you are making it up and turning it into something much bigger than it is. We are fine,” the Italian insisted.
Longo Borghini was particularly angered by the way the reports had portrayed both the team and the people involved. “Sometimes you should remember that we are people,” she said. “It is not nice to go on Instagram and see all those stupid articles you are writing, saying that we do not have a good atmosphere and portraying us as though we are a shit team. It hurts us.”
The Italian champion also urged those discussing the situation to consider the impact on Blasi, one of the youngest riders in the peloton and among the revelations of the season. “You should also think about Paula and how she might feel,” Longo Borghini continued. “I am sure it is not nice to arrive at the dinner table knowing that those articles are circulating. Pay attention to the person behind it as well.”
Mechanical problem costs Longo Borghini
Longo Borghini also revealed that her own time trial had been compromised by a mechanical problem during the closing kilometres.
The UAE leader was forced to change bikes after her chain came off with around two kilometres remaining, costing her further time against stage winner Marlen Reusser and the other leading general classification contenders.
“I had a mechanical problem with two kilometres remaining and had to change bikes,” she explained. “I am not super happy, but I have to accept it. These things happen. My chain came off and I had to change bikes. That made my final time worse.”
Despite the setback, Longo Borghini remained encouraged by her condition ahead of the more demanding stages still to come. “I am in good shape and I feel good. I will treat this as a bad day, and tomorrow will be another opportunity.”
The mechanical issue has left Longo Borghini with time to recover in the general classification, but her most forceful message in Dijon was reserved for the reporting around her team and the effect it has had on Blasi.
Juan LarraCycling Journalist
Juan Larra is a writer for Cyclinguptodate and editor-in-chief of Ciclismoaldia, where he has played a central role since its inception. Under his leadership, the website has become a trusted source for professional cycling coverage, offering in-depth analysis, news, and feature stories.
A sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, Juan earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Seville in 2007. He began his career covering a wide range of sports—including football, basketball, Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, and cycling—for platforms such as the official La Liga app, Vodafone and Movistar websites, NBA Blogdebasket, and Cadena Cope, honing his skills in writing and editorial management.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Juan contributes to Cyclinguptodate and serves as editor-in-chief for the tennis-focused site Tenisaldia. Throughout his career, he has conducted exclusive interviews with cyclists and sports figures, provided detailed analysis of competitions ranging from local Spanish races to major international events, and acted as a special correspondent at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España.
Juan’s combination of experience, expertise, and direct access to athletes has established him—and the platforms he leads—as authoritative voices in professional cycling.
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- Why would they do that? Lance may have been a drug cheat but he does offer real perspective into cycling and racing.awp05-08-2026
- It reminded me of the 2006 Tour of California on stage 3 when Levi blew up in the tt.awp05-08-2026
- It's a Spanish orientated site
Rafionain-Glas05-08-2026 - Why you disregard Dominika Włodarczyk, who was 4th in TdFF last season, and Elisa Longo Borghini, while hyping Blasi, who is riding her first full season? Even Longo Borghini says that this hurts the competing girls and is injust.
kristinho05-08-2026 - What is going on at Visma? Visma seem to have no clue what their doing anymore and starting to look like Israel premier tech. Elderly homemiguel05-08-2026
- Noëmi can't catch a breakRafionain-Glas05-08-2026
- Shame he couldn't do the tour but that's a much needed win for both Oscar and Ineos.Cyclingsbestfan05-08-2026
- And the yellow jersey watches her go, thinks about it......... then decides to follow and loses the sprint!Cyclingsbestfan05-08-2026
- Stages like this are exactly what grows women's cycling. This is the kind of racing that hooks new fans, and makes advertisers/sponsors want to invest in it. More attention, more money, more depth in the sport. What an incredible stage!Pedalmasher05-08-2026
- I said exactly the same shouting at the TV. smhPedalmasher05-08-2026
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