Vincenzo Nibali, winner of Il Lombardia in 2015 and 2017 : “For me it will be a great emotion and a great honor to close my career at Il Lombardia which is one of the races I have loved the most. I remember the victories of Bettini and Cunego in my first years as a pro and I dreamed one day of conquering this Monument. I have already succeeded twice and on Saturday 8th I will try again in what will be my last race. I came out well from La Vuelta and I have good sensations.”
Mauro Vegni, Director Area Ciclismo RCS Sport: “The last Monument Classic of the season this year is a bit more special than usual. It will in fact be the last time that two great riders like Vincenzo Nibali, who won this race in 2015 and 2017, and Alejandro Valverde, will place a bib on their back. We are honored that two great champions like Vincenzo and Alejandro have chosen Il Lombardia to end their incredible careers. From a technical point of view we propose the alternation between the two cities of Bergamo, where this year the race will be kicked off, and Como, which will host the finish. A route characterized by many climbs already in the first part with the Prealps around the city of Bergamo: the Forcellino di Bianzano (Red Valley), the Ganda climb, the Passo della Crocetta in Dossena, the Forcella of Bura and the Colle di Berbenno. Then, after a short flat, here is the explosive finale: in the last 60km the riders will have to face the climbs of the Madonna del Ghisallo, San Fermo della Battaglia, Civiglio and a second pass on San Fermo before arriving in Como.”
Giorgio Gori, Mayor of Bergamo: “Il Lombardia has always had a very special charm on me, as I use to cycle around the city. I love the romanticism of the definition “Classic of Dead Leaves” and the fact that this race actually closes the season of professional cycling so close to my home. The fact is that I cannot hide all my affection and enthusiasm while I talk about Il Lombardia. Also for this reason I am proud of the fact that for 8 years, practically since I have been Mayor of Bergamo, the race has always started or finished in my city: proud to be able to show my wonderful Bergamo to the “Giro” caravan and to the many fans at home, but also because ours has always been a land of great cycling. Il Lombardia brings down the curtain on the 2022 season, but we are already working on next year: it will in fact be a great 2023 for Bergamo and for cycling, with Bergamo protagonist of a busy calendar – which from the Giro d’Italia will wind up until Il Lombardia – on the occasion of the Italian Capital of Culture 2023.”
Alessandro Rapinese, Mayor of Como: “On Saturday 8 October 2022 the city of Como will welcome the arrival of Il Lombardia. It will be an important occasion to celebrate Sport, a sign of rebirth and return to normal after two years marked by the pandemic. Many realities of the area are involved in the preparation and implementation of this high-level sporting event, which the Municipality of Como gives its patronage. “Il Lombardia” is every year an opportunity to show the world – through the images that are shared by the media – the scenic, artistic and naturalistic beauties of Italy, the Lake and our Como. It will be a day dedicated to sporting passion, a moment of common life and celebration.”
Antonio Rossi, Undersecretary to the Presidency for Sport, 2026 Olympics and Events of the Regione Lombardia: “It is always a pleasure to watch races in our areas, which have a deep love for cycling and a deep-rooted cycling culture. Lombardy is preparing for the edition which will take place on the 8th of October. The race has always meant spectacle and warmth of the people. Our region is a land of sport, of passion, of athletes who can’t wait to compete. A path that from Bergamo to Lake Como will make you discover the beauties of our Lombardy. I think about how far we have come from the first edition to today. It will take huge talent to win and all the cyclists who participate in Lombardy are well aware of this, where the show is guaranteed. I hope that the largest number of citizens and fans who love this sport can come to watch the race. The organizers have worked to ensure that the race can be held in the best possible conditions for both spectators and riders. I am happy to be able to greet the participants of the 2022 edition. I hope that this event offers, as every year, opportunities, joy and enthusiasm, involving citizens and lovers of two wheels, continuing to be a positive example for all those who love it. sport and its values.”
Alessandra Locatelli, Councilor for Family and Social policies of the Regione Lombardia: “Also this year Como hosts a great historical event which is Il Lombardia. Sport has always been an extraordinary tool for aggregation and inclusion and for this reason as a representative of the Lombardy Region I want to thank all those who every year with passion and professionalism dedicate themselves to organizing this event, bringing great cycling to the Streets of Como is an opportunity to enhance our beautiful territory even more.”
Loredana Poli, Councilor of Sport at Comune di Bergamo, and Giorgia Gandossi, Counselor of the Provincia di Bergamo with Delegation to Sport: “The last of the five Monument Classics Monumento consolidates once again this year a path that becomes more and more recognizable for all fans of this splendid sport. Bergamo and Como have been playing shared starts and finishes for some years now, in a duet that I believe makes very good at this race and this sport. Bergamo is one of the most beautiful and sporting cities in Italy where sport in general and cycling in particular are recognizable and essential values of the territory. The Classic of Dead Leaves is at home in the Province of Bergamo and the double passage in the city helps to give visibility to our territory at an international level. The whole Administration expresses its greatest satisfaction for this Sport event, with the hope that the highest step of the podium will be occupied by an Italian rider.”
