Lombardy Tour (Il Lombardia)

The Lombardy Tour (Italian: Il Lombardia, formerly Giro di Lombardia) is one of the five most prestigious one-day races in professional road cycling and is referred to as a "Monument". The race traditionally takes place in October and forms the crowning conclusion of the cycling season. Due to its late scheduling in autumn, it bears the poetic nickname "Race of Falling Leaves" (Classica delle foglie morte).

History and Significance

Foundation and Development

The Lombardy Tour was founded in 1905, making it one of the oldest still-existing cycling races worldwide. Initially, the race was held in spring; only since 2012 has it consistently taken place in autumn. The move emphasizes its role as a season finale and gives riders the opportunity to conclude the season with one last major success.

The Last Monument of the Season

As the last of the five Monuments in the cycling calendar, the Lombardy Tour has special symbolism. While the other Monuments take place in spring and summer, Il Lombardia marks the transition into the winter break. For many riders, it is the last chance to prove themselves in the current season or to salvage a previously disappointing season.

Route Characteristics and Requirements

Mountainous Terrain in Northern Italy

The Lombardy Tour is considered the most mountainous of all five Monuments. The route passes through the picturesque landscape of Lombardy in northern Italy and includes several challenging climbs. In contrast to Paris-Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders, which are characterized by cobblestones and flat terrain, Il Lombardia demands climbing qualities and endurance.

Typical Climbs

The route varies from year to year, but some iconic climbs regularly return:

Classic Climbs:

• Madonna del Ghisallo - The most famous climb, home of the cyclists' church
• Muro di Sormano - Extremely steep ramp with up to 27% gradient (if included)
• Civiglio - Often the decisive climb shortly before the finish
• San Fermo della Battaglia - Final climb that frequently decides the race

Start and Finish Locations

Historically, start and finish locations vary. Traditional venues are:

Tactics and Race Development

Attacks on the Climb

The Lombardy Tour is typically decided by attacks on the climbs. First breakaway attempts can already occur at Madonna del Ghisallo or earlier. However, the decision usually falls in the last 30-40 kilometers, when the legs become heavy and the cumulative strain of the many climbs takes effect.

Solo Rides and Small Groups

In contrast to sprinter classics, many Lombardy editions end with solo victories or small groups of breakaway riders. The combination of distance, elevation gain, and technically demanding descents favors complete riders with climbing, descending, and time trial qualities.

Famous Winners and Records

Record Winners

Fausto Coppi holds the record with five victories (1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1954) for the most wins at the Lombardy Tour. His dominance in the 1940s and 50s made him a legend of Italian cycling.

Other multiple winners:

• Alfredo Binda - 4 wins (1925, 1926, 1927, 1931)
• Sean Kelly - 2 wins (1983, 1985)
• Damiano Cunego - 2 wins (2004, 2008)
• Esteban Chaves - 2 wins (2016, 2018)
• Tadej Pogačar - 2 wins (2021, 2022)

Modern Champions

In recent times, especially all-rounders and climbing specialists have dominated the race. Tadej Pogačar established himself with his wins in 2021-2022 as one of the best Il Lombardia riders of the new generation.

The Rider Profile for Il Lombardia

Requirements for the Winner

To win the Lombardy Tour, a rider needs:

Checklist: Characteristics of a Lombardy Winner

• Excellent climbing abilities (6-8 W/kg over 20+ minutes)
• Endurance for 240+ km and 4000+ meters of elevation
• Technical descending skills for fast descents
• Timing and race tactics for late attacks
• Good form in autumn after a long season
• Mental strength for season finale
• Solo time trial abilities for long breakaway rides
• Tactical understanding for selective climbs

Difference to Other Monuments

Cultural Significance

The Church of Cyclists

At Madonna del Ghisallo, one of the most iconic climbs of the race, is the Madonna del Ghisallo chapel - the patron saint of cyclists. The small church houses a museum with historical bicycles and jerseys and is a pilgrimage site for cycling fans worldwide. Every rider who passes Madonna del Ghisallo is part of this special tradition.

Autumn Mood and Atmosphere

The October scheduling gives the race a melancholic, nostalgic atmosphere. The autumn colors of the Lombard landscape, the low-lying sun, and the knowledge of the approaching season end make Il Lombardia an emotionally charged event. For riders, it is often the last effort before the winter break.

UCI World Tour Integration

Points Allocation and Significance

As one of the five Monuments, the Lombardy Tour belongs to the highest category of the UCI World Tour. The winner receives 500 UCI points - the same number as all other Monuments. These points are crucial for:

• Individual world ranking of riders
• Team world ranking
• Qualification for World Tour status
• Starting rights at the biggest races

TV Reach and Media Presence

Il Lombardia is broadcast live in over 150 countries and reaches a worldwide audience of several million viewers. The picturesque images from the Lombard lake region and the dramatic mountain climbs make the race a visual spectacle.

Training and Preparation

Season Planning for Il Lombardia

Riders who have Il Lombardia as a season goal must align their season planning accordingly:

Typical Season Structure for Lombardy Specialists:

1. January-March: Base endurance, early races
2. April-May: Ardennes Classics, first mountain races
3. June-July: Tour de France or Giro d'Italia
4. August: Recovery, altitude training camp
5. September: Vuelta a España or preparation
6. October: Lombardy Tour as season highlight

Specific Training

The preparation requires:

• Long rides with 5-7 hours duration
• Mountain intervals on long climbs (20-40 minutes)
• Technical descent training
• Endurance threshold training for late attacks
• Tactical race preparation with video analysis

Historical Highlights and Legendary Races

The Coppi Era (1946-1954)

Fausto Coppi shaped the Lombardy Tour like no other rider. His five wins, four of them in a row, were characterized by long solo rides over several climbs. His attacks on Madonna del Ghisallo became legendary.

Modern Classics

2017: Vincenzo Nibali attacked on Madonna del Ghisallo and rode over 50km solo to victory - one of the most memorable performances of the modern era.

2021: Tadej Pogačar won after a dominant solo performance and established himself as the new Lombardy king.

Economic Significance

Sponsoring and Organization Costs

Organizing the Lombardy Tour costs several million euros. The funds come from:

• TV rights (largest share)
• Team entry fees
• Regional sponsors
• UCI World Tour funding

Tourism Effect

The race brings significant tourism revenue for the Lombardy region. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefit from the tens of thousands of spectators who flock to the route.

The Future of Il Lombardia

Challenges

• Climate Change: Autumn storms and unpredictable weather
• Traffic: Increasing difficulties with road closures
• Competition: Other races in autumn

Opportunities

• Women's Race: Since 2023 there has been a standalone women's Lombardy race
• Digital Innovation: Improved TV coverage with drones and on-board cameras
• Sustainability: Efforts for CO2-neutral organization

Last Update: November 12, 2025