Virus forces Elisa Longo Borghini out of Sanremo Women, Marianne Vos also absent

Elisa Longo Borghini has been ruled out of Milan-Sanremo Women due to a virus. The Italian came close to winning last year’s race, attacking in the finale before being swept up on the Via Roma and finishing in 11th place.

“Due to virus disease with upper respiratory tract infection, which developed overnight, the italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini will not be able to start tomorrow’s second edition of the Milano-Sanremo Women,” read a statement from UAE Team ADQ on Friday.

Longo Borghini expressed her own disappointment on social media, writing: “No via Roma full gas, this year.”

The 34-year-old had started the season impressively, with overall victory at the UAE Tour and fourth place in a dramatic edition of Strade Bianche. A day after that spirited finale in Siena, she claimed another win at the Trofeo Oro with a fine solo display.

Longo Borghini has been replaced by Alena Amialiusik in the UAE Team ADQ line-up for Saturday. The team is completed by Mavi Garcia, Dominika Wlodarczyk, Eleonora Gasparrini, Silvia Persico and Brodie Chapman. Notably, there is no place for Lara Gillespie despite her recent strong results.

There is further notable absence from the start list, as Marianne Vos will also not race Milano-Sanremo Donne. The Dutch rider has returned home to be with her family after receiving news that her father’s health is critical. The team expressed their support, saying their thoughts are with Vos and her loved ones. Vos will be replaced in the lineup by Rosita Reijnhout.

Defending champion Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx–Protime) lines up as the favourite for Milan-Sanremo Women, which returned to the calendar in 2025 after a 20-year hiatus.