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The Giro di Lombardia is a true one-day classic which brings down the curtain on the major European races with a tough race around the hills and shores of Lake Como.
The Giro di Lombardia is a hundred years old after first being held in 1905 and always produces some great racing. The route has changed over the decades with finishes being held in Milan, Bergamo and Como. In recent years the race has started over the border in the Swiss town of Mendrisio and finished on the shores of Lake Como in the centre of the town. The climb from the lake up to the chapel of the Madonna di Ghisallo has been a constant decisive point in the race and now marks the start of the final climbs in the 250km race. A key break often forms on the steep hairpins of the Ghisallo as the other riders quickly realise their chances and season are virtually over. The final San Fermo overlooking Como is now the launch pad for late attacks and creates a thrilling finale. In 2006 new recently crowned World Champion Paolo Bettini took an emotional and moving victory just ten days after the tragic death of his older brother Sauro. He cried in mourning as he crossed the line, pointing to the sky to indicate his brother had inspired him to victory.
Giro di Lombardia (English: Tour of Lombardy) is an Italian cycle race, based in the Lombardy region. It is traditionally the last great Classic of the European professional cycling calendar and since 2005 part of the UCI ProTour. Given that it is held in the autumn season one of its famous nicknames is "the race of the falling leaves".
History
The first edition was in 1905. It was then called Milan-Milan. In 1907 the race was renamed to its current name. During the decades the route has changed many times. Milan, Sesto San Giovanni, Bergamo, Varese, Monza, Cuneo have been start or finish place. In 2004 the race started in Mendrisio in Switzerland, and ended in Como. The most famous obstacle in the Giro di Lombardia is the Madonna del Ghisallo. At the Madonna del Ghisallo there is a shrine with a small museum containing religious and cycling objects and photos.
The most successful rider of the Tour of Lombardy was Fausto Coppi, who won the race 5 times. The most recent edition (2006) was won by Paolo Bettini.
