Elisa Longo Borghini hits back at reports of UAE tension over Blasi Tour role: ‘It hurts us’

Elisa Longo Borghini has delivered a forceful response to reports suggesting tension within UAE Team L'IMAD, saying the continued speculation has hurt both her and teammate Paula Blasi.

Speaking to RadReporter after the fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes, Longo Borghini was asked about the mood inside the team following strong performances from both riders in the individual time trial to Dijon.

“You guys are making it up so big, bigger than it is. We are fine,” Longo Borghini told RadReporter. “Sometimes you should also think that we are persons. It is not nice to scroll through Instagram and see all those stupid articles saying that we do not have a good atmosphere and portraying us as though we are not a team.”

“It hurts us. Personally I’m hurted by you journalist. You should also think about how Blasi might feel, because she is surely not happy coming to the dinner table knowing those articles are going around. Pay attention to the person sometimes.”

Blasi has found herself at the centre of the discussion after a remarkable breakthrough season. At 23, the Spaniard arrived at her first Tour de France Femmes having won the Amstel Gold Race, La Vuelta Femenina and the Volta a Catalunya. 

Despite those results, UAE initially identified Longo Borghini and Dominika Włodarczyk as its protected riders. Blasi publicly accepted a supporting role, saying she had come to the Tour to gain experience and work for her teammates.

That decision, combined with the team’s strength and reports that Blasi could leave at the end of the season, prompted repeated questions about UAE’s internal hierarchy. Some coverage suggested her performances could create friction with the designated leaders. 

Team members have consistently rejected that interpretation, insisting the riders are united and understand their roles, while acknowledging that performances on the road could eventually change the tactical picture.

Tuesday’s time trial only intensified the sporting debate. Longo Borghini finished tenth on the stage, 1 minute and 3 seconds behind winner Marlen Reusser, while retaining fifth place in the general classification. Blasi moved into seventh overall, just nine seconds behind her Italian teammate.

Longo Borghini’s result was made more impressive by a mechanical problem in the closing kilometres.

“My chain came off and I had to change bikes,” she said. "I’m not super happy, but I have to accept this,” she said. “What can I say? It is what it is."

Despite the setback, the two time Giro d’Italia winner remained confident about her condition ahead of a series of demanding stages.

“I am in good form and I feel fine,” she said. “I take this as a bad day and tomorrow is another, another opportunity.”

With both riders still well placed overall, the debate over UAE’s hierarchy is unlikely to fade. Longo Borghini, though, left little doubt about where she stands on the speculation surrounding the team.