Il Lombardia, known today as the Lombardy Tour, sits at the tail end of the European cycling season. The race typically unfolds in late autumn, drawing the best riders from around the world to a demanding 238-kilometer course that tests endurance, strategy, and nerve. This edition, like recent years, features a high-stakes showdown among cycling’s elite, with Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel often placed at the center of the narrative, while Primoz Roglic marks a significant moment as he lines up for what could be his final race in the Jumbo-Visma colors. The finale is anticipated to conclude around five o’clock in the evening, a fitting climax after a season packed with fierce battles and dramatic turns in the peloton. Within this landscape, Il Lombardia stands as a crucible where form, resilience, and selection criteria come under intense scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. These elements position the race not only as a stubbornly stubborn test of fitness but also as a showcase for tactical genius on an extended, rolling course that rewards endurance and clockwork team execution. [citation]
Why do they call this the classic Dead Leaves?
Il Lombardia carries a poetic nickname that evokes autumn’s final act. The race’s roots tie into the season’s imagery of leaves drifting to the ground as the calendar turns, signaling a transition into the tougher, deeper miles of late-season racing. In Italian it is known as Classica delle Foglie Morte, a label that perfectly suits a race run amid changing trees and cooler air. The route stretches across a long, demanding 238 kilometers and earns its place among cycling’s five great one-day classics. The other four, Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, are all anchored in spring, making Il Lombardia the calendar’s autumnal sentinel and the third oldest one-day race, first run in 1905. Its enduring presence on the calendar marks a unique bridge between tradition and modernity in the sport. [citation]
Why is it so difficult for the Spanish to win?
Historically, Spanish riders have faced the challenge of peaking late in the season, when fatigue from a long year can impact performance. The autumn slate tests riders differently, and last year’s podium saw a mix of contenders including Miquel Poblet, Marino Lejarreta, Samuel Sánchez, Alejandro Valverde, and Enric Mas contending for places. The only rider to claim victory twice in this race within recent memory was Purito Rodríguez, whose triumphs in 2012 and 2013 remain standout performances. In the current edition, Mas continues to participate, and Mikel Landa is back in contention after finishing third in 2022, underscoring how Spanish riders remain persistent challengers even as the era of certain dominant names evolves. [citation]
Why is there such a large turnout this year?
The field is exceptionally strong because the parcours aligns with the calendars of several grand names. For the first time in recent memory, top contenders Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Roglic all share the same start, creating a rare convergence that had not occurred in 2023 due to calendar conflicts. Beyond these three, a notable international slate includes Richard Carapaz from Ecuador, along with the Yates brothers, Julian Alaphilippe, and a cadre of rising talents such as Carlos Rodríguez. This mix promises a race that blends pedigree with fresh energy, heightening the anticipation across North American audiences watching the drama unfold on late-season roads. [citation]
Why are climbers successful?
Il Lombardia separates itself from other classics through a climb-heavy profile that favors riders who excel on inclines and in terrain that asks for sustained power. The route rarely allows a pure sprinter to dominate, and the presence of climbs aligns with the strengths of climbers who can survive and then strike on decisive ramps. This dynamic contrasts with Milan-San Remo, where the Poggio can be a hurdle but often leaves room for a fast finish, and with Paris-Roubaix or the cobbled sections of Flanders that reward brutal endurance in different ways. In Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Redoute and the surrounding ascents frequently shape the outcome, but Il Lombardia has its own signature climbs and constant variation, forcing the decisive moments to emerge on the steep slopes and long, grinding miles. The list of historic winners reads like a who’s who of cycling’s mountain specialists and adventurous climbers, with names such as Charly Mottet, Tony Rominger, Damiano Cunego, Purito Rodríguez, Vincenzo Nibali, and Thibaut Pinot carving their legacies on this rolling grind. Their triumphs illustrate how a climber’s stamina, combined with intelligent pacing and a well-timed surge, can crown victory on a course that rewards resilience and tactical nuance. [citation]