Ever since 1905 the Tour of Lombardy has been the final cycling classic of the season. Originally the Giro started in Milan and finished in Como. The course has been through quite some changes, but has always been set out in the hills surrounding Lake Como. Between 1998 and 2003 the race ended at the top of the historic citadel of Bergamo. But in 2004 the finish line returned to Como again.
From the beginning, the Giro di Lombardia often proved to be the season’s decisive race. In 1978 the highly acclaimed Francesco Moser beat Bernard Hinault, thanks to his fellow Italian cyclists. The year after, Hinault got his revenge. By attacking Moser during a hard rain, he won the race and took the Super Prestige.
The riders don’t have an easy ride, because of the hard climbs.
The legendary road to the famous chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo, located 50 km before the finishing line is an annual climb. This little church is dedicated to the patroness of all cyclists, Madonna del Ghisallo.
With an average incline of 6,2% and a maximum of 14%, the Ghisallo is a tough obstacle. This treacherous climb made especially Fausto Coppi famous. Out of all the winners, Coppi is the true champion of the Giro di Lombardia. He has five victories to his name.
