Saturday, October 6, is the day of the 117th edition of the Giro di Lombardia, the so-called “dead leaves classic”, which, thanks to Tadej Pogacar, can write an important page in the history of cycling.
Giro di Lombardia 2023: unlikely heroes
Giro di Lombardia 2023: A historic treble in Pogacar
October is this “dead leaves classic”Because the Giro di Lombardia has a nickname in cycling circles. In the 117th edition of the last of the seasonal monument classics, there are a very limited number of favorites on the eve of the race, but there are a few names who can deliver the blow along the 238 km route; This also includes altitude difference. Above 4400 meters.
If you want to bet on the Giro di Lombardia, know this: The favorite can only be Tadej PogacarIn the Giro dell’Emilia he finished second behind his compatriot and great rival Primoz Roglic, but above all he was the winner of the last two races in Lombardia. The UAE Team Emirates champion has not had a simple year, with plenty of placings including a win in Flanders in the spring followed by a fine but bitter second-place finish at the Tour.
If Pogacar will undoubtedly be the first favorite and Roglic is one of his announced rivalsWe cannot help but say the opposite for Remco Evenepoel. As well as winning the Liège and world time races, the Belgian from Soudal Quick-Step also won the polka dot jersey at the Vuelta, testament to his recent form, and could be a key factor at the end of the season.
Pogacar made history with a hat-trick
Before listing other possible heroes while talking about the three most anticipated, it is worth remembering a possible record that Tadej Pogacar himself could achieve at the Giro di Lombardia 2023. By winning, the Slovenian driver will become only the third rider to triumph in the classic. from dead leaves 3 times in a row, After Fausto Coppi and Alfredo Binda. Let’s say it’s not any two.
He will also be one of those who will try to prevent the “treble” of the very strong Slovenia. Our Giulio Ciccone. The Lidl-Trek rider from Abruzzo won the climbing class at the Tour de France and, together with teammate Bauke Mollema, could be a factor in that. Among the most reliable foreigners, we cannot ignore Movistar’s Enric Mas, who was a bit disappointed with the Vuelta but has the capacity to make an impact.
For romantic reasons, Frenchman Thibaut Pinot from Groupama-FDJ should definitely be included in the list of possible surprises: Going to the last race of his careerand Lombardia won it in 2018. The range of possible entertainers is completed by EF’s Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz and Ineos’ Polish Michal Kwiatkowski, a team that has been disappointing throughout 2023.
