Stefano Allocchio, RCS Sport Race Director: “Il Lombardia is a race that embodies the history and prestige of world cycling, and bringing the start back to Bergamo means celebrating and strengthening the bond with a region that has always had deep roots in this sport. Bergamo is truly one of cycling’s capitals, and we are confident this weekend will be engaging for everyone—from local residents to the many fans and amateur riders who will gather here. We are working on a top-level edition, featuring a selective and spectacular course designed to highlight the qualities of the great champions and deliver an outstanding show for the public”.
Matteo Mursia, Chief Revenue officer of RCS Sports & Events: “We are truly delighted and proud to see Bergamo take center stage not only with Saturday’s Monument Classic, but also with Sunday’s Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi, creating a unique and distinctive format that brings together fans and amateur riders through a shared passion for sport—especially cycling. The Saturday Classic is broadcast in 200 countries worldwide, reaching an audience of over 25 million viewers and delivering outstanding visibility for the region, strengthening its identity. At the same time, thanks in part to the large number of participants in Sunday’s Gran Fondo, it generates an estimated economic impact of €50 million. It is a unique opportunity that we are pleased to share with our partners, whom we sincerely thank—starting with our Presenting Sponsor, Crédit Agricole”.
Elena Carnevali, Mayor of Bergamo: “For Bergamo, it is a great source of pride to once again host the Il Lombardia race. Alongside the professional competition, the Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi represents the most popular and inclusive soul of the event: thousands of amateur cyclists will ride the very same roads as the champions, reaffirming a sporting tradition that is deeply rooted in our territory. It will be a weekend of outstanding sport and widespread participation, further enhanced by the presence—and anticipation—of the leading figures in international cycling. It is also a valuable opportunity to showcase Bergamo, its rich cultural heritage, and its outstanding food and wine excellence, proudly recognized as a UNESCO Creative City. Our thanks go to RCS Sport, the organizers, and everyone whose commitment makes this extraordinary event possible”.
Marcella Messina, Bergamo City Councillor for Sport: “The Il Lombardia Weekend is a major sporting event that celebrates a tradition deeply tied to the identity of our territory and to our city, where the race will start. Hosting the start of the ‘Race of the Falling Leaves,’ one of the most prestigious events on the international calendar, and pairing it for the first time with the Gran Fondo dedicated to Felice Gimondi—an undisputed symbol of our sporting heritage—means strengthening a genuine connection between tradition and participation. Over these three days, the city will transform into a vibrant, open-air stage, bringing together fans, families, and local associations in a shared atmosphere of celebration. Events like this not only showcase elite cycling, but also promote a healthy, sustainable, and inclusive lifestyle, in line with the vision we are pursuing as an Administration”.
Luca Onofrio, Head of Mass Events at RCS Sports & Events: “The Gran Fondo Il Lombardia Felice Gimondi will offer enthusiasts a unique experience, and bringing the start to Bergamo for the first time—60 years after Felice Gimondi’s first victory, which we wanted to honour with a passage through his hometown of Sedrina—adds a special value to an event that continues to grow every year and aims to become an increasingly important benchmark for the amateur cycling world”.
Norma Gimondi: “One of my father’s most emotional victories is Il Lombardia in 1966, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and it is wonderful to honor it with the third edition of the Gran Fondo named after him. This event fully reflects his legacy, featuring the passage through Sedrina and climbs that demand great determination and commitment—two qualities that perfectly embody the Gimondi DNA. The finish is unique and will provide great emotions to all enthusiasts riding along these roads”.
Crédit Agricole: “We are delighted to renew our support for the Gran Fondo Il Lombardia, an event that is not only a top-level sporting challenge, but also a true celebration of the territory and a deep passion for cycling. For Crédit Agricole Italia, standing alongside RCS in this event means sharing a common DNA built on resilience, commitment, and team spirit. Cycling is the sport that best embodies the value of “shared effort” in pursuit of an ambitious goal—a philosophy that truly reflects our way of being a bank close to people, businesses, and communities”.
