Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini is one of the eight new signings for the Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling team for the 2015 season. The 22 year old from Ornavasso, Italy is one of the rising stars in women’s cycling. She had a stellar road season with 5 UCI wins including two stages and the overall ranking in the Tour de Bretagne, a stage and the overall ranking in the Trophee D’Or and the Italian National Time Trial Championship. Next to that she played an important role in all the Classics with a third place in the Flèche Wallonne and a fourth place in the Tour of Flanders. She also played a crucial role in the World Championships in Ponferrada, Spain where she was in the leading break until the final kilometre with Marianne Vos, Emma Johansson and Lizzie Armitstead. Elisa’s abilities and strengths will make her an indispensable member of Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling in 2015.
We have asked Elisa a few questions to get to know her a little bit better.
We will publish a full feature story with her in the next couple of weeks. Here is a short intro:
Biggest Cycling Results: 1st Trofeo Alfredo Binda 2013 & 3rd World Championships Valkenburg 2012
Happiest Cycling Memory: Every race is something special, but I think one of the best memories I have is my first ride after my nasty crash in June 2013. It was July 19th and I rode one and half hours. It was like a victory for me.
Favourite Race: La Flèche Wallonne & Giro Rosa.
Why Wiggle Honda: Wiggle Honda is one of the best teams in the world and for me it represents a good opportunity to improve as an athlete by learning from the other more experienced girls and by being supported from amazing sponsors and staff.
What team will be the hardest to beat: For sure Rabo Liv. They have strong riders who race all the time with smart team tactics.
Most exciting WHT product: I can’t choose one in particular, to be honest. I think all the material is really good. I’m curious to try the Colnago bike, because it’s a prestigious Italian brand.
Loves: Riding my bike, reading, climbing and wandering on the mountains.
Hates: Car drivers who scream at you while training, swimming, mussels.
Favourite Pre-race meal: OAT MEAL FOREVER and EVER.
Favourite Post race meal: I don’t have any favourite meal after a race, but in general my favourite one is pasta al pesto or tagliata di manzo (Beef)with rucola salad and parmesan.
Goals for next season: I would like to improve as rider and to perform at my best level possible for the team and for myself.
If you could win 4 races next year, what would they be?
1. De Ronde Van Vlaanderen
2. La Flèche Wallonne
3. Giro d’Italia
4. World Championships
