Il Lombardia: 120 Editions of History and Champions

Towards the 120th Edition: A Journey Through the Legend of Il Lombardia

In 2026, Il Lombardia is set to write a new chapter in its extraordinary history with the 120th edition of the Race of the Falling Leaves, one of cycling’s five Monuments and the event that has brought the season of great champions to a close for more than a century.

First held in 1905, the race has become much more than a sporting event over the years. It is a cycling heritage that spans generations, territories and legendary achievements.

To accompany fans on the road to this important milestone, the official website features a special section dedicated to the history of the race: “The Race of the Falling Leaves”, available here:

The page retraces more than 120 years of emotions through a division into historical eras, allowing fans to discover how Il Lombardia has evolved alongside the sport while preserving its unique identity.

The Milan Years

From its origins to the first great protagonists of the early twentieth century, when cycling was still an epic challenge fought on unpaved roads and ridden on basic machines. Among the iconic names stands Giovanni Gerbi, winner of the inaugural edition in 1905 and one of the most emblematic figures of early cycling.

Discover more about the editions between 1905 and 1960, click here.

The Autumn World Championship

The post-war years saw the rise of Italy’s greatest cycling legends. No rider embodies this era better than Fausto Coppi, whose five victories make him one of the most successful riders in the history of the race. His exploits on the roads of Lombardy helped shape the race’s reputation as a classic tailored to climbers and attacking riders.

Discover more about the editions between 1961 and 1994, click here.

When Tradition meets Innovation

In the following decades, Il Lombardia became a global stage. Champions such as Eddy Merckx, Felice Gimondi and Bernard Hinault enriched the roll of honour, bringing international prestige and further establishing the race as one of the most coveted events of the cycling calendar.

Discover more about the editions between 1995 and 2013, click here.

The Modern Era

With the arrival of the new millennium, the race has continued to evolve without losing its identity. Victories by riders such as Paolo Bettini, Vincenzo Nibali and, more recently, Tadej Pogačar have added memorable new chapters to the history of cycling’s autumn Monument.

Pogačar, in particular, has joined the elite group of multiple winners, confirming Il Lombardia as the stage for the exploits of the greatest champions of the modern era.

Discover more about the editions from 2014 onwards, click here.

A Story to Relive

From the exploits of the pioneers to the attacks of today’s champions, Il Lombardia continues to be the meeting point between tradition and innovation.

As the race approaches its 120th edition, the page dedicated to its history offers a unique journey through images, stories and protagonists that have made the Race of the Falling Leaves immortal.

Discover all the eras, champions and moments that have shaped more than a century of cycling, click here.

Because to understand the future of Il Lombardia, you must first relive its extraordinary history.