The curtain comes down on the cycling season on Saturday with the 120th edition of Il Lombardia.
Known affectionately as the "Race of the Falling Leaves" for its evocative autumnal setting, the circuit heads from Bergamo to Como. and with defending champion Tadej Pogačar sidelined through injury, the battle for the prestigious late-season crown is wide open.
Il Lombardia 2026 Route
Connecting Bergamo to Como across 239 kilometres and roughly 4,600 metres of elevation, the 2026 profile features nine categorised ascents that require plenty of attrition before the race reaches Lake Como.
The decisive action begins once the peloton enters the Lario territory, where riders face an unrelenting series of sharp climbs and technical descents.
The Madonna del Ghisallo: Steep ramps reaching gradients up to 14%. Civiglio is a gruelling test averaging a relentless 10% on narrow roads near the summit. San Fermo della Battaglia (2.7 km at 7.2%) are tackled twice courtesy of a newly designed 22-kilometer finishing circuit around Como.
Following the second ascent of San Fermo, the riders will plunge down a fast, technical descent toward the finish line on Como's Lungolario Trento.
How to watch Il Lombardia 2026, live stream and TV channel
Il Lombardia 2026 will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 and HBO Max.
Il Lombardia 2026 date and start time
Il Lombardia 2026 gets underway at 09:45 BST on Saturday 10th October.
