Giro di Lombardia route announced
RCS Sport has revealed the route for the upcoming Giro di Lombardia, one of the oldest and most important European cycling races. Founded in 1905, it has consistently been the final race of the World Rankings calendar, and therefore
can be decisive in the leadership of that title. This year, the 'race of the fallen leaves' has moved its starting line from the usual location in Varese to the Palazzo Lombardia in Milan, and has replaced the traditional climb of the Civiglio with the Colma
di Sormano.
“The local government would like that the Palazzo Lombardia become a start point for sporting events, including the Giro di Lombardia, so we’re leading the way” said race director Angelo Zomegnan to
Gazzetta dello Sport. “Then the race descends to Nesso to give that branch of Lake Como the chance to show itself to the world.”
For the first 80 editions of the race, the Giro di Lombardia began in Milan, and after a 25-year absence, it returns to the original starting line. The race will be finishing in Como for the seventh consecutive year, after tackling five serious climbs more
or less evenly spaced over the course of the day, the final climb is only 5km from the finish line.
“At 260km, it’s a little bit longer than it’s been in recent years, but in terms of climbing and altitude gained, it’s more or less the same,” said Zomegnan. “It’s tough and beautiful. It’s a monumental classic.”
Defending champion Philippe Gilbert will be leaving for Australia tomorrow in preparation of the World Championships in Geelong and Melbourne, and the rider, a favourite for the Championships, has not decided whether or not he will return to Lombardia to
defend his title.
“I’m not sure of what I’ll be doing one week after the Worlds road race, if I’ll have recovered on time for racing for the triple-crown at Paris-Tours,” said Gilbert. “For now, I’m totally focused on the rainbow jersey, that’s what I want.”
Tags: