Preview Tour of Lombardy 2024 | Pogacar and no other outsiders, on his beloved terrain

119 years ago, the Tour of Lombardy was organized for the first time. At that time, it was called Milan-Milan. Two years later, the race continued under its now familiar name. Climbs are numerous in the Lombardy region, so the race is one for the climbers, and if the course is a little better than expected, the specialists on the hills can also have their say.

it is mainly the riders with remaining motivation who play a leading role in the autumn classic, and often, these are the big names. After all, cycling heroes Eddy Merckx and Fausto Coppi appear several times on the list of winners. On behalf of the Netherlands, Bauke Mollema surprised everybody with victory in 2019 with his typical style. However, there has been no match for Pogacar in the last three years. If he wins on Sunday, he will match Alfredo Binda with four victories and can start the hunt for Fausto Coppi, who holds the record with five wins.

2023 Tadej Pogacar
2022 Tadej Pogacar
2021 Tadej Pogacar
2020 Jakob Fuglsang
2019 Bauke Mollema
2018 Thibaut Pinot
2017 Vincenzo Nibali
2016 Esteban Chaves
2015 Vincenzo Nibali
2014 Dan Martin

Bergamo-Como, or Como-Bergamo, is the established recipe of the Tour of Lombardy. This year, the start is in Bergamo, and the finish is in Como, known for Lake Como. Needless to say, the course has transformed as a result. Many of last year's climbs will not be repeated, except for the Passo di Ganda; this climb is now quite early in the race. Furthermore, the distance compared to last year is also longer, about 15 kilometers, bringing the total distance to 252 kilometers.

The course of the 2024 edition is a bit like a tooth saw with significant peaks, but only in the middle phase is there a relatively more straightforward section. After the start in Como, it quickly goes up gradually towards the first climb of the day: Forcellino di Bianzano. This not-too-difficult climb of five kilometers is an ideal place for a breakaway to get away. The Ganda immediately follows a short descent. This one is much more serious, with nine kilometers at seven percent. However, the Ganda will have little influence on the race this year due to its position on the course.

The wonderfully named Colle di Berbenno and Valpiana complete the obstacles in the first half of the course. The latter, in particular, with a length of 10 kilometers, will creep into the legs of the riders. Next, the riders will head towards the Madonna del Ghisallo, which is always a highlight of the hill race! At the top is a small church with a cycling history inside. The climb will have little impact on the race as it is ascended from the east side. Shortly before the Ghisallo, there is still the Sella di Onigo to climb, a 5-kilometer climb at over 5 percent.

Then, on to the climb, the first real shake-up will take place: the Colma di Sormano. Fortunately for the riders, they will not have to contest the terrible Muro variation this year. However, the Colma is challenging enough, with over 13 kilometers at 6.5 percent. Halfway up the climb is the center of gravity with a kilometer at over 10 percent; don't be surprised if Pogacar turns on the turbo here. The summit is followed by a descent of more than 10 kilometers, after which it is briefly on rolling roads. Then, the route dives down again for the final obstacle: the San Fermo della Battaglia. This explosive climb offers the last chance to throw a contender overboard. Then it's just under 10 kilometers at a furious speed to the finish.

Weather
Whereas the Lombardy region suffered from extreme rainfall at the beginning of the week, it will be completely different on Saturday. It will be beautiful racing weather with a maximum temperature of 18 degrees. The sun will also be visible occasionally, and the chance of rain is insignificant. The wind comes from the south-southeast and blows at a wind force 2.

Times
Start time: 10:40 a.m.
Finish time: between 4:40-5:20 p.m.  

By all means, let's be honest: there is one top favorite on Saturday. Tadej Pogacar proved in recent weeks that he can take care of any Lombardy competitor with one hand behind his back. Only if Pogacar does not make it to the finish, for whatever reason, will there be other favorites. Otherwise, the only question is how the world champion will add his fourth Lombardia.

Should anything happen to Pogacar, which no one will hope for, a whole club of big names will come into the picture. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) is, on paper, the significant challenger, especially now that Primoz Roglic has finished his season on behalf of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. Evenepoel hasn't had the best legs in recent races, so in Lombardy, we're not just looking at the name...

In the preparation races, very different men emerged. At Bahrain Victorious, Pello Bilbao finished second in Montreal behind Pogacar, something Tom Pidcock did on behalf of INEOS Grenadiers in Emilia. We also list Enric Mas (Movistar), Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech), Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike), Maxim Van Gils (Lotto-Dstny) and Simon Yates (Jayco-AlUla).

Then there is also Marc Hirschi at UAE Team Emirates, but how much can the man-in-form accomplish with Pogacar on the same team? The same is true of Adam Yates. Among the longshots, we also note the experienced Romain Bardet (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL), Jai Hindley (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), and Davide Piganzoli (Bardiani), both of whom also have fine autumn legs.

Top favorite:Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Outsiders:-
Longshots: Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step), Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious), Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers), Enric Mas (Movistar), Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech), Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike), Maxim Van Gils (Lotto-Dstny), Simon Yates (Jayco-AlUla), Marc Hirschi, Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates), Romain Bardet (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL), Jai Hindley (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Davide Piganzoli (Bardiani)

It doesn't get any better than this! Eurosport is broadcasting the entire race live on TV on Eurosport 1. You can also follow the Tour of Lombardy completely on HBO Max and Discovery+ online platforms. Sporza is also present. The Belgian broadcaster has the rights again and will start the broadcast at 1:30 p.m. on VRT1.