Il Lombardia

So many things ‘die’ in this race, and not only the fallen leaves which give this race its unofficial surname. Il Lombardia sees many riders’ calendar end for the season; fans enjoy a last big classic before turning their heads towards cyclo-cross or other sports; and the European scene practically bids farewell with the fifth and final ‘Monument’, arguably the hardest when it comes to vertical demand, over a course featuring several changes for 2023.

Loyal to its idea over the past few years, combining starts and finishes alternatively between Como (this year’s partenza) and Bergamo (the end), the 238km course includes mountains almost from start to finish.

Things kick off with the Madonna del Ghisallo (38km), the patron virgin of all cyclists; some significant ascents are then covered with Roncola (100km) and Berbenno (129km); and the finale goes through four difficult climbs: Passo della Crocetta (-77km; 11 kilometers at 6%); Zambla Alta (-64km); Passo di Ganda (-32km; 9.2 kilometers at 7.3%); and the decisive cobblestones of the Città Alta / Colle Aperto (-3.2km), next to the city.