Tour of Lombardy 2024: who’s in it to win it?

The 118th edition of Il Lombardia is set for 12 October. This prestigious road cycling race is the last of the 5 great Classics on the season calendar. The 2024 edition promises the same thrilling race as ever, as the best in the field aim for one last trophy of the season. Here’s everything you need to know for a smart bet!

Pogačar vs Evenepoel, or a surprise?

Most likely to win: Tadej Pogačar

Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar is on a roll in beautiful northern Italy. He’s won the last 3 editions back-to-back: if he succeeds a fourth time, he’ll be on par with Italian legend Fausto Coppi, as far as consecutive wins go. Needless to say, the reigning world champion is the outspoken favorite here, by far.

Of course, we all know who his main contender will be. Remco Evenepoel, who’s had a stellar season that included 2 Olympic gold medals, is Pogi’s top rival here. Compatriot Primož Roglič, fresh off a Vuelta a España victory and third-place finish in last year's Il Lombardia, will also be a major threat to Pogačar’s unbridled ambitions.

As always, there are plenty of outsiders looking to cause a ruckus. Principal among these, we find Enric Mas (runner-up in 2022) and Andrea Bagioli (second in 2023). Other hopefuls include Julian Alaphilippe, Matteo Jorgenson, and Adam Yates. One last contender to mention is Thomas Pidcock, who’s making his debut here: he’ll definitely want to show himself.

What does the race look like?

The picturesque lakeside of northern Italy once again serves as the scenery for Il Lombardia. The 252 km race starts in Bergamo, where a series of consecutive climbs through the foothills of the southern Alps await the riders.

After some hefty appetizers – Forcellino di Bianzano, Colle di Berbenno, Ghisallo – it’s on to the race’s most demanding climb. The Colma di Sormano is back on the menu after a few years of absence. This 12.8 km ascent features tight switchbacks and a grueling 11% maximum gradient.

Note that the downhill portion from the Sormano was the scene of Evenepoel’s horrifying crash off a bridge back in 2020. The peloton will be approaching this epic hill the other way around this time, though, passing that fateful bridge on the ascent instead of hurdling down.

The last 10 km take place on the wide roads of urban Como. An uphill detour to San Fermo della Battaglia averaging 7% with peaks of 10% followed by a technical descent is set to spice up the final. If all likely candidates hang on up to this point, expect an intense sprint to the finish line!