Italy • Monument
Known as the 'Race of the Falling Leaves', Il Lombardia delivers a brutal, beautiful challenge as it closes the Monument season amidst the stunning autumnal landscapes of Northern Italy. It's a grueling test for climbers and courageous descenders, where legends are forged on unforgiving ascents and technical descents, evoking both suffering and ultimate glory for riders and passionate tifosi alike.
Total Editions
1
Latest Winner
Tadej POGAČAR
First Edition
2025
Race Type
One-day
Il Lombardia is renowned for its demanding, hilly to mountainous terrain, characterized by a relentless succession of ascents and technical descents with very few flat sections, particularly in the race's latter half. Key challenges include an accumulated elevation gain often exceeding 4,000 to 4,500 meters, and mid-length climbs that test the strongest climbers. Signature features include iconic ascents like the Madonna del Ghisallo and often the brutally steep Muro di Sormano (though routes vary), along with Passo di Ganda and Civiglio. The race's late-season timing in autumn, amidst the changing leaves, adds to its distinctive atmosphere.
First edition, originally named 'Milan–Milan', was won by Giovanni Gerbi.
Renamed 'Giro di Lombardia', which later became Il Lombardia. 1943-
The race was cancelled only twice in its history, due to World War II. 1946-
Fausto Coppi set a record with five victories, including four consecutive wins. For nearly 70 years, it was often referred to as the 'Autumn World Championship' when the UCI World Championships were held in late summer.