Vincenzo Nibali, Il Lombardia winner (2015, 2017): “This is a race that I have always loved, and I am proud to have won it twice. I really like the route, it’s tough and selective. Being the last Monument Classic of the year many riders will arrive tired but at the same time ready to fire the last shot. I’d like to see a good duel between Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel who, following the evolution of the season, are to be considered the main favourites”.
Alessandro Rapinese, Mayor of Como: “It’s always a thrill to welcome Il Lombardia here in Como, whether it is the start or the finish. Clearly by hosting the finale the public can acclaim the winner and all his emotions, but at the same time I think it is also engaging and participative for the fans to follow the initial presentation stages, in which you can get to know the riders up close. In any case, it is an important and evocative event, which brings people closer to this magnificent sport, and we are happy to host it again”.
Stefano Allocchio, Race Director at RCS Sport: “Il Lombardia, which closes the RCS Sport cycling events of the year, it’s always a race that is as tough as it is attractive. We expect many fans following the race on the roads and on TV, with the full live broadcast distributed worldwide, which will be a great postcard for the Region. All this creates an economic spin-off with very important figures, in a weekend that will see the Lombardy territories crossed not only by professionals but also by amateur cyclists who on Sunday will compete in the GranFondo dedicated to Felice Gimondi. It will be a great event”.
Lino Ferrari, Project Manager of Il Lombardia presented by Crédit Agricole: “Il Lombardia comes at the end of a very demanding season for the riders, who, in addition to their classic commitments, also competed in the Olympics. To win on 12 October it will therefore require great physical fitness combined with great mental resilience. The route, despite the absence of the Civiglio, will still be very tough, with over 250 km of racing and almost 5000 metres of elevation gain. The succession of climbs in the finale will make the difference and it will be a usually selective race”.
Marcella Messina, Sports Councillor of the Municipality of Bergamo: “The alternation with Como continues, both cities are pleased to host this event that has worldwide resonance and gives great visibility to our beauties. Bergamo is a land of cycling that has given this sport great champions, starting with Felice Gimondi. Once again this year, the race will be an opportunity to celebrate sport in general, and cycling in particular, as recognisable and unavoidable traits of both the Bergamo and Lombardy regions, and of the thousands of enthusiasts who experience the competition with great participation along its route”.
Giorgia Gandossi, Councillor of the Province of Bergamo with responsibility for Sport: “These two cities deserve to host this event as they have always shown their attachment to the race. We expect a great spectacle in terms of the public, as happened in previous editions with Bergamo being invaded by thousands of fans. Our mountains are well represented and will be promoted all over the world thanks also to the live full TV coverage”.
