UAE Team L’IMAD snatched women's UCI team ranking from FDJ Suez in final week of the season

UAE Team L’IMAD snatched first place in the women's 2026 UCI team ranking from FDJ Suez in the final week of the season, with points scored strategically at the Veneto Classic and Chrono des Nations decisive.

UAE scored 365 points in the final week of the season, while FDJ scored just 95, setting up UAE's jump to number one in the rankings.

Maeva Squiban ended the season with a final victory for UAE at the Chrono des Nations and her 120 points were vital in taking the number one spot in the ranking. UAE placed four riders in the top eight at the Veneto Classic, with Elisa Longo Borghini fourth.

The UCI published their final ranking on Thursday and UAE were confirmed in first place with 22262.99 points, while FDJ slipped to second on 22000.33 points, a difference of just 262.66 points.

The men's UAE Team Emirates-XRG team also topped their ranking and the two teams are set to celebrate together next week at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Festival on October 31.

"Becoming the number one women’s cycling team in the world reflects five years of commitment, a clear vision and the collective dedication of everyone who has contributed to this project," team president Melissa Moncada said.

UAE won 30 races in 2026 but also went through turmoil. Paula Blasi won the Vuelta España Femenina but then had to follow team orders and play a support role at the Tour de France Femmes. She was only recently allowed to confirm that she had activated a €85,000 buy-out clause to leave for Movistar.

Senior sports director Cherie Pridham left UAE in September and team manager Yana Seel quit in August.

"I left voluntarily because I do not agree with the strategy," the Belgian told Wielerflits.

Team leader Elisa Longo Borghini again anchored the team during 2026, winning the UAE Tour Women, fighting to finish third at the Tour de France Femmes and the World Championships. She scored over 7000 of the team's points.

"I want to recognize our riders, sporting staff, management and partners, whose professionalism and commitment have made this possible. This achievement belongs to all of them," Moncada said.

"Reaching the top of the world rankings is an important moment in our journey, but it also reinforces our responsibility to continue raising standards, developing talent and contributing to the future of women’s cycling."