'Don't make her angry, she can become a tiger': Inside Elisa Balsamo's rise to stardom

Elisa Balsamo joined cycling's top tier after winning the rainbow jersey in 2021. Here's the inside story on the Italian's success from those who know her best

Elisa Balsamo in an Italy jersey winning the World Championships in 2021
(Image credit: Getty Images)

This feature originally appeared in Cycling Weekly magazine on 13 October 2022. Subscribe now and never miss an issue.

Elisa Balsamo won Trofeo Alfredo Binda last Sunday, before doubling up at the Classic Brugge-De Panne on Thursday. Here's her story.

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