Il Lombardia 2026 brings down the curtain on the professional road cycling season with a grueling 239-kilometer route from Bergamo to Como featuring 4,600 meters of climbing. As the final cycling monument of the year, the race known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves” marks its 120th edition on a punishing course that organizers describe as a true test of attrition.
Bergamo to Como Route Test
The 2026 edition follows the traditional alternation of start and finish locations, sending riders out of Bergamo toward the shores of Lake Como. The course packs nine categorized climbs into its 239-kilometer profile. After completing the first five ascents in the opening half of the race, the peloton hits the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo at roughly 60 kilometers from the finish. The Ghisallo features an 8.6-kilometer climb at an average gradient of 6.2 percent, with pitches exceeding 10 percent at both the base and near the summit.
Following a descent into Como, riders face a demanding finishing circuit. The loop includes the first pass of San Fermo della Battaglia, measuring 2.7 kilometers at 7.2 percent, before tackling the brutal Civiglio climb. The Civiglio spans 4.2 kilometers with an average of 9.7 percent and maximum gradients hitting 14 percent near the top. Just 17 kilometers remain from the summit of the Civiglio to the finish line in Como, setting up a potential springboard for decisive attacks.
Pogačar Misses Race as Teams Set Rosters
Tadej Pogačar, who claimed five consecutive victories from 2021 through last season—including a 33.7-kilometer solo breakaway last year and a 48.4-kilometer solo effort the year prior—will miss the 2026 race due to injury. His absence leaves the door wide open for a new autumn champion or a returning contender to claim the title. UAE Team Emirates arrives with newly crowned world champion Brandon McNally wearing the rainbow jersey alongside Isaac Del Toro, who finished fifth in last year’s edition.
Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe counters with a heavy-hitting roster featuring Remco Evenepoel, fresh off his victory in the European Championships road race on October 4, and Primož Roglič, who won the European time trial title on October 7. The squad also includes Grand Tour contenders Jai Hindley, Florian Lipowitz, and Giulio Pellizzari, giving the team multiple tactical options. Lidl-Trek anchors its lineup with Giulio Ciccone, supported by Juan Ayuso and Quinn Simmons.
Visma–Lease a Bike Gains Momentum as Veterans Retire
Team Visma–Lease a Bike enters the race with strong momentum following Davide Piganzoli’s victory at the Giro dell’Emilia on October 3. Piganzoli is joined by Ben Tulett and Matteo Jorgenson in a coordinated lineup capable of controlling attacks and hunting honors. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM Team steps into the autumn monument following a series of strong performances.
The 120th edition also marks a final professional appearance for veterans Pello Bilbao of Bahrain Victorious and Bauke Mollema of Lidl-Trek, both of whom are set to conclude their professional road racing careers at Il Lombardia.
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