Il Lombardia (Italy) Known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” Il Lombardia closes the cycling season in October amid autumnal beauty around Lake Como. First held in 1905, it’s the only Monument run in fall and favors climbers with strong descending skills. Iconic climbs like the Madonna del Ghisallo (home to cycling’s sacred museum) and the steep Muro di Sormano challenge even the fittest. Legends Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, and Philippe Gilbert have triumphed here. Unlike spring classics, Lombardia is serene yet savage—sunlight filters through golden trees as riders launch final attacks on technical descents. Its poetic setting contrasts with brutal gradients, creating a race that feels both artistic and athletic. Winning Lombardia is a graceful finale to a champion’s year—a blend of elegance, power, and seasonal melancholy.
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