The riders are given the chance to get into a climbing rhythm on the Forcellino di Bianzano, a gentle warm-up climb of 6.3 kilometres at 5.1%. Shortly after the descent, the more demanding climb to Selvino throws in 11.1 kilometres of uphill riding at 5.6%.
Via the Colle di Berbenno (4.5 kilometres at 6.2%) and the climb to Valpiana (10.1 kilometres at 6.2%), the riders enter the flat middle section of the race. There’s a small rise towards Caprino Bergamasco (1.5 kilometres at 5.7%), after which Il Lombardia continues along the shores of Lake Como. Upon reaching Onno, the route turns inland and a 5 kilometres climb at 5.7% awaits. A righthander then leads onto the Madonna del Ghisallo. It’s not the usual ascent from Bellagio, and this side is much easier: 6.3 kilometres at 4.1%.
The descent towards Bellagio is followed by another flat section along Lake Como. After reaching Nesso, the riders turn left to tackle the Colma di Sormano, with its ten hairpin bends in the first 4.5 kilometres. The full climb adds up to 12.9 kilometres, while the average gradient sits at 6.4%. The last kilometre ramps up to 9.1%.
There are still 42 kilometres remaining at the summit of the Colma di Sormano. Most climbing has been done at this point. The downhill continues onto a rolling segment towards Como, featuring a stretch of 2.1 kilometres at 3.4%. Just before reaching the finishing venue, there’s another short descent before the riders tackle a 2.7 kilometres climb at 7.2% to San Fermo della Battaglia. A 4 kilometres downhill then precedes a flat final stretch of 1.3 kilometres.
The last three editions of Il Lombardia were won by Tadej Pogacar. Another victory and he matches Alfredo Binda, who won the Race of the Falling Leaves in 1925, 1926, 1927, and 1931. Fausto Coppi holds the record with five victories — Il Campionissimo triumphed in 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1954.
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Other interesting reads: results and start list 2024 Il Lombardia.
Tour of Lombardy 2024: routes, profiles, more
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