Il Lombardia

Where: Como-Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy
When: October 8, 2022
Rank: UCI WorldTour
Distance: 245km

Il Lombardia is the final of five races known as Monuments in the professional cycling calendar. Formally called the Giro di Lombardia or nicknamed the 'Race of the Falling Leaves'.

It first took place in the year of 1905 and it has been the least interrupted of all the Classics with just two years out due to the second World War in 1943 and 1944, this means that the riders will be racing the 116th running of the race.

In 2020, the race took place just before the Giro d'Italia and shortly after Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico due to the rejigged season. It was also the second Monument ran. In 2021 though, it returned to its usual slot in the calendar, which is once again the case for 2022, too. 

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) became the first Slovenian rider ever to win the race in 2021, after Jakob Fuglsang (Astana-Premier Tech) became the first Danish rider to win the event the year before.

The rider who has won Il Lombardia the most was the legendary Italian, Fausto Coppi. Five times Coppi took the win here with Alfredo Binda just behind on four.

Six other riders sit on three victories at the great race, including Irishman Sean Kelly and the 'Little Prince' himself, Damiano Cunego.

Tom Simpson is currently the only British rider ever to win the race back in 1965. Belgian riders Eddy Merckx and Philippe Gilbert (Lotto-Soudal) are also among a number of riders to take multiple victories in the race. 

With the World Championships moved to the autumn in 1995, Il Lombardia is often the race where the new world champion dons the rainbow bands for the first time. Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) showed off his title last year, but, at the time of writing, it isn't known who will replicate this in October.

Il Lombardia route

The full route of the 2022 Il Lombardia hasn't been revealed yet. Once it is revealed, check this page again. 

Il Lombardia recent winners

2010: Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
2011: Oliver Zaugg (Sui) Leopard-Trek
2012: Joaquim Rodríguez (Esp) Team Katusha
2013: Joaquim Rodríguez (Esp) Team Katusha
2014: Dan Martin (Irl) Garmin-Sharp
2015: Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana Pro Team
2016: Esteban Chaves (Col) Orica-BikeExchange
2017: Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Bahrain-Merida
2018: Thibaut Pinot (Fra) Groupama-FDJ)
2019: Bauke Mollema (Ned) Trek-Segafredo
2020: Jakob Fuglsang (Den) Astana Pro Team
2021: Tadej Pogačar (Svn) UAE Team Emirates

Key info: TV guide | Start list