profile
map
technical info
The race starts from Bergamo, heading towards Val Seriana for a brief flat section before tackling a series of climbs in the Pre-Alps surrounding the city. The climbs follow in rapid succession, beginning with the Forcellino di Bianzano (Valle Rossa), followed by the ascent to Selvino, Colle di Berbenno, and Valpiana. This initial series of climbs covers more than 50% of the race’s total elevation gain. Next comes another short flat section leading into the Lake Como area. The riders follow the lakeshore from Lecco to Onno, where the peloton turns and faces the classic climb to Asso (known as “the Onno”), continuing towards the Ghisallo from its gentler side to then descend into Bellagio.
A little later, the toughest climb of Il Lombardia begins: the Colma di Sormano. This 13km ascent includes gradients up to 11%, with a narrow road and numerous switchbacks. A very fast descent with hairpins leads to Maglio. From there, the route continues with a gentle downhill stretch towards Como, where the race tackles its final challenge. After crossing the town, the riders face the climb of San Fermo della Battaglia (397 m), before descending back into Como to the finish line.
Last kilometres
The final 10 km begin within the town of Como, following wide boulevards until reaching the railway underpass, where the final climb of San Fermo della Battaglia begins. The gradient averages around 7%, with a maximum of 10%, on a narrow road with a rough surface. Several hairpins lead to the summit, located at about 5 km from the finish. The descent is on a wide, well-paved road featuring two well-lit tunnels and two large roundabouts and ends at the final kilometer. At 600 meters to go, there is a final sweeping left-hand bend. The finishing straight is on asphalt, with a road width of 7 meters.
start / finish
climb detail
final kilometres
itinerary timetable
tourist info
Host city:
Bergamo
Overview
Bergamo is a small “two-storey” city in Lombardy, with a rich history and a stunning architectural legacy. The walled upper town, Bergamo Alta, is beautifully preserved, with wonderful cobbled streets and lovely mediaeval buildings. The modern, lower town, Bergamo Bassa, is connected to the older, upper district via a funicular railway.
Points of interest
Major landmarks include the Venetian walls, which were built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century, when Bergamo was a possession of that State, in order to protect the city from the Republic of Milan and from France, when the Republic of Venice was starting to lose its monopoly of maritime trade. These walls – a symbol of the rich and bold history of Bergamo – are the keepers of a beautiful city, waiting to be explored.
Como
Overview
Como is an elegant and lively town, lying on the southwestern branch of the lake of the same name, in a unique natural landscape and surrounded by lush verdant hills. Luxurious villas, elegant buildings and ancient churches highlight the beauty of the city, while the lovely alleys and the colourful piazzas add to its charm. Como is also referred to as “the city of silk”. Back in the 1400s, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, decided to plant mulberry trees around the lake to feed the silkworms, and the city has been the largest silk producer in Italy since then.
Point of interest
The most stunning piece of architecture in town is the splendid Duomo (the cathedral), dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. Its construction began in 1396, and lasted four centuries overall, in a splendid fusion of styles – Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Como is also renowned for its lakeside villas with lush gardens, such as the Neoclassical Villa Olmo, built in 1780, now a popular venue for congresses, events and art exhibitions. The city has become one of the major tourist destinations in northern Italy, and is a hit with Italian and international celebrities alike.