Cyclingflash
Blow for Milan-San Remo Donne: strong attacker Elisa Longo Borghini will not participate

Blow for Milan-San Remo Donne: strong attacker Elisa Longo Borghini will not participate

There is great hope that after last year's tedious race at Milan-San Remo Donne, this edition will feature a very different race scenario. One of the riders who was expected to make that happen is Elisa Longo Borghini. Unfortunately, the exceptionally strong Italian champion has shown viral symptoms since Thursday night and will not sign the start list on Saturday.

Longo Borghini’s absence can certainly be seen by cycling fans as a major blow. The 34-year-old Italian has been one of the very best classics specialists in the women's peloton in recent years. She also started the season strongly with the overall win at the UAE Tour, a fourth place in Strade Bianche, and victory in the Ruta d'Oro. Last weekend, she deferred to eventual winner Karlijn Swinkels in the Trofeo Alfredo Binda.

Longo Borghini had her sights set on La Primavera. Visma | Lease a Bike team director Jan Boven said in an interview with this site that the Italian, along with Kasia Niewiadoma, was one of the two main riders expected to animate the race on the Cipressa. "Especially UAE Team ADQ has a very strong squad here," Boven referred to Longo Borghini's team. They are the strongest block in depth, together with FDJ United-SUEZ. They have to make things difficult for SD Worx Pro Cycling."

For the latter team—with Lotte Kopecky, Kata Blanka Vas, and defending champion Lorena Wiebes,—the absence of the Italian means one less top rider to watch out for. Last year, Kopecky brought Longo Borghini back in extremis, after which Wiebes sealed the deal. Longo Borghini is therefore regarded as one of the strongest attackers in the women's peloton, alongside Demi Vollering. The European champion was already not planning to race Milan-San Remo, as she is currently training at altitude.

Alena Amialiusik has been called up by UAE Team ADQ as a replacement for the Italian champion. It will now mainly be up to Silvia Persico and the veteran Mavi García to take control of the race.