Federica Brignone will be discharged from the “La Madonnina” clinic in Milan on Tuesday, April 8. The Aosta Valley skier, who has been hospitalized since last Thursday after the bad accident during the Assoluti d’Italia, underwent surgery for a compound fracture of the tibia, fibula and medial ligaments of the knee of her left leg.

The Italian champion will speak to reporters waiting for her outside the clinic, then return home, where a long road to recovery awaits her, hoping to successfully participate in the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

“As usual, I do things big or I don’t! This time I’ve made it big (in the negative). I wanted to thank those who rescued me on the track, those who helped me in Trent, the Fisi medical team who operated on me and those who are taking care of me here at La Madonnina Clinic”, he wrote.

“A thank you to all of you who are writing to me, fortunately I have a lot of friends who keep me company and make me laugh”.

Australia celebrating at the Blue Monster

The 7,701-meter-long Blue Monster, made treacherous by wind and hard greens, challenged all 54 participants, but in the end, LIV Golf Miami ended with a double victory for Australia: Marc Leishman claimed his first individual victory on the circuit, while his team, the Ripper GCs, captured the team title.

On the difficult course at Trump National Doral, Leishman won with a total score of -6, edging out Charl Schwartzel by one stroke thanks to a flawless final round of 68 with no bogey. Ripper GC triumphed with a total of +4, marking an unprecedented achievement: the first time a team has won an LIV event with a score above par.

Leishman, 41, shined in solidity, signing the only mistake-free round of the entire tournament. After the second round he was three shots behind leader Bryson DeChambeau, but he started strong with several birdies and closed with a decisive par on the 18th, hitting a four-foot putt after a tricky tee shot. “I was really looking forward to this win,” Leishman said. “After the bad round in Singapore, winning here has a special flavor.”

Schwartzel (Stinger GC) finished second at -5 thanks to an excellent 66, the best score of the day along with Carlos Ortiz. Third was Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), at -4, who missed a chance to go to the playoff because of a final bogey. For Leishman it is his first success in four years, a result that comes after several convincing rounds in the LIV, including three second-place finishes.

In the team tournament, the Ripper GCs (Leishman, Cameron Smith, Matt Jones and Lucas Herbert) benefited from the preparation they had done in January during a training camp just at the Blue Monster. Despite wind and cold, the strategy worked: they finished at +4, leaving behind Crushers GC (+12) and 4Aces GC (+17).

Sports career

The’beginning of an extraordinary career for Elisa Longo Borghini is dated 2011, when she debuted among the Elite with the Top Girls Fassa Bortolo team. The following years saw her quickly emerge on the women’s cycling scene, with her first significant success in 2012, when she won a stage and the mountain classification at the Thüringen Rundfahrt. In 2015, Longo Borghini won her first Tour of Flanders, becoming the first Italian to do so. The years 2016 and 2017 mark her peak, with a bronze medal at the Rio Olympic Games and victory at Strade Bianche. In 2019, she switched to Trek-Segafredo, where she continued to shine, winning the GP de Plouay and Paris-Roubaix in 2022. Recent years have been equally fruitful, with her winning no fewer than seven national titles and triumphing at the Giro d’Italia Women in 2024, an event that enshrined her permanently among cycling’s greats. Her latest successes in 2023, such as first place in the overall standings of the UAE Tour Women, show that her career is on an upward trajectory. With a palmarès that includes two Olympic medals and numerous titles, Elisa Longo Borghini is undoubtedly one of the strongest cyclists of her generation, capable of inspiring future generations of female athletes. Her sporting career is an example of determination and talent in women’s cycling.

Personal interests

In intimate moments, Elisa Longo Borghini takes refuge in her passions and hobbies, which represent an’important outlet beyond cycling. Undoubtedly, nature is one of the elements that fascinates her the most; she loves spending time outdoors, taking long walks in the mountains, where she finds serenity and strength to face sporting challenges. After all, contact with nature allows her to recharge her batteries and reflect on her goals. In addition, Elisa is passionate about travel, an’opportunity to discover new cultures and places that inspire her creativity and adventurous spirit. Cooking is another of her interests; she often devotes time to preparing healthy and tasty dishes that reflect her focus on a balanced diet, which is crucial for her athletic performance. Finally, the cyclist also finds time to indulge in reading, a way to break away from the routine and immerse herself in stories that inspire her. These passions of Elisa Longo Borghini not only enrich her life, but also provide her with the motivation she needs to excel in her sport, proving that the’balance between personal and professional life is essential for success.

Family

Her relationship with family is a key aspect of Elisa Longo Borghini’s life, and she has always found support and inspiration in her loved ones. The daughter of Guidina Dal Sasso, a former cross-country skier, and Ferdinando Longo Borghini, a Nordic skiing coach, Elisa grew up in an environment where sport was an integral part of everyday life. This family background certainly influenced her choice to pursue a career in cycling. In addition, the bond with her brother Paolo, a former professional cyclist, helped create a kind of “competitive spirit” that characterized their growth. If there were any doubts about her abilities, Elisa’s determination has always shone through, making her a source of pride for her family. Her family is not only an emotional support, but also an example of dedication and passion for the sport. The presence of such influential figures has fueled her dream of becoming a successful cyclist. Today, Elisa not only represents Italy on the international cycling scene, but is also a symbol of how love and family support can help achieve extraordinary ambitions. Her story is a clear example of how Elisa Longo Borghini’s family played a crucial role in her path to success.

Awards and recognition of sports merit

The recognition of merit for Elisa Longo Borghini is a tribute to her extraordinary career in women’s cycling. One can hardly find another athlete who has won so many titles and medals, including two Olympic bronze medals in the road race in 2016 and 2021. Her palmarès is enriched by numerous successes, including the Tour of Flanders, won in 2015 and 2024, and the historic victory at Paris-Roubaix in 2022. Longo Borghini is also a national champion, having won 12 Italian titles, seven time trial and five road races. As if that were not enough, the cyclist has demonstrated her versatility and endurance, establishing herself in top-level competitions such as the Giro d’Italia Women, where she triumphed in 2024. The sum of these awards highlights not only her talent, but also her dedication and passion for cycling, making her an’icon of the sport and an example for future generations of female cyclists. Elisa Longo Borghini

awards and recognitions.