The riders set off from Bergamo, which was the epicentre of Italy’s COVID-19 outbreak in March. The race begins with a big loop and after roughly 55 kilometres the Colle Gallo is crested. Then the route once again moves through Bergamo, this time to head northwest on virtually flat terrain.
After the Colle Brianza the race continues to Villa Vergano before descending towards Oggiono. By now, Il Lombardia reaches the peninsula that’s emblematic of the race. Via Lago di Annone and Lago di Pusiano the riders move through Valbrona and descend to the shores of Lake Como.
Following some 10 kilometres along the lake the race reaches Bellagio at the foot of the Madonna del Ghisallo. The iconic climb is 8.6 kilometres long and the average gradient sits at 6.2%. Yet, most of the climb slopes at 9% or more, while the steepest ramp (14%) appears just after leaving Bellagio.
The climb to Sormano (5.1 kilometres at 6.6%) is a gentle warm-up for the Muro di Sormano, which is arguably one of the most ferocious climbs around. The narrow road serves sections up to 27%! The Muro is 1.9 kilometres long and the average gradient sits at 15.8%.
Following a technical drop to Nesso, the riders turn left and – once again – race along the shores of the Lake Como. Just before entering the town with the same name another lefthander leads back into the hills for the last 20 kilometres.
First, the Civiglio. This is a 4.2 kilometres climb at 9.8% with steepest ramps at 14%. Straight after the drop it goes back up again to the village San Fermo della Battaglia. This is a 2.7 kilometres climb at 7.2% that tops out at 10% just before the crest. The race concludes with a 5.3 kilometres descent into Como.
Last year, the Tour of Lombardy was played out on virtually the same roads. Bauke Mollema attacked on the Civilio and he managed to hold off the strongest chasers. Alejandro Valverde bested Egan Bernal and Jakob Fuglsang in the sprint for second place.
Another interesting read: results 2021 Tour of Lombardy.
Tour of Lombardy 2020: route, profiles, more
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Our favourite event! Stay at Il Perlo, situated just outside Bellagio, right on the Madonna climb. Many happy memories of riding this route, you’ve got to do it!!