Based on his reaction upon crossing the line, it’s a result Ciccone is happy with. And it also makes it a third year in a row in which he has made the podium of a monument – something that only Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel and Evenepoel have also done in that time.<\/p>\n
\n
![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mwwyAs3majrXPhoGSFbPvW.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:31:18.326Z<\/p>\n While Seixas takes the headlines and glory, it has also been another great day for Enric Mas. After winning the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, it was unclear whether he still had the form or the will to still race competitively in the final weeks of the season, and it did indeed appear as though he was winding down, abandoning the World Championships on his first race day after that historic result.<\/p>\n But today he showed that same form that brought him success in Spain, and he makes the podium of Il Lombardia for the second time in his career, having also placed second in 2022, behind Tadej Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:22:36.597Z<\/p>\n “Everything went perfect. The teammates [did a] great, awesome job. Everyone pushed more than what they had to do\u2026 I had amazing legs. Paul Seixas<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:20:35.284Z<\/p>\n The king is dead; long live the king. Tadej Poga\u010dar might have had to miss this race due to injury, but his heir apparent Paul Seixas won the race in a manner he would have been proud of. We\u2019ve expected it for some time now, but this result further suggests that Seixas is on course to inherit Poga\u010dar\u2019s status as the best rider in the peloton.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:15:31.181Z<\/p>\n Today’s historic winner, the 20-year-old Paul Seixas. You sense we will get very used to this image of him celebrating at the finish.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:11:59.458Z<\/p>\n Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n Position<\/p>\n Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n Time Gap<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n Paul Seixas (Fra) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n 05:49:28<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Enric Mas Nicolau (Spa) Movistar Team<\/p>\n 00:00:48<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Giulio Ciccone (Ita) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n 00:01:05<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n 00:01:20<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n 00:01:20<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n Tom Pidcock (GBr) Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team<\/p>\n 00:01:20<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Pello Bilbao Lopez De Armentia (Spa) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n 00:01:20<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Christian Scaroni (Ita) XDS Astana<\/p>\n 00:01:20<\/p>\n 9<\/p>\n Filippo Zana (Ita) Soudal-QuickStep<\/p>\n 00:01:20<\/p>\n 10<\/p>\n Mathys Rondel (Fra) Tudor Pro Cycling<\/p>\n 00:01:20<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:06:16.755Z The 20-year-old savours the moment and crosses the line with his hands in the air – the first ever monument win of his career!<\/p>\n Behind, Mas holds on for a very impressive and for many unexpected second place, continuing his superb end to this season, while Ciccone also manages to hang on to the final place on the podium.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:04:36.436Z Seixas flies under the flamme rouge, poised to take the biggest win of his fledgling career so far, with nobody within 45 seconds of him.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T15:03:29.501Z<\/p>\n The moment Seixas dropped Ciccone on Civiglio to go clear at the front of the race. He’s since grown his lead at the front to 50 seconds on Mas in second, with just 3km left to ride, while Ciccone is now at risk of losing a spot on the podium as a chase group being led by Pidcock bares down on him.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:59:10.834Z<\/p>\n Mas has attacked Ciccone on the climb, and dropped him. But it might be too little too late in term of the race win, as Seixas is now 43 seconds ahead.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:54:59.186Z Seixas might not have been so comfortable on the descent, but he sure was on the flat section, where he managed to increase his lead to Ciccone and Mas to 35 seconds. He’s now swung onto the final climb of the race – will he tire, or does he have enough in reserve to finish this off?<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:50:02.487Z<\/p>\n This is far from over yet. Seixas doesn’t look overly confidant on the descent, while Ciccone is setting the pace behind with Mas in toe, and reducing the gap. It’s at about 20 seconds.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:46:33.730Z Seixas crests the Civiglio in the lead of the race, about 30 seconds ahead of Ciccone, who has been joined by Mas, and about 45 seconds ahead of Pidcock, who was dropped and has been joined by Zana.<\/p>\n Then comes a group containing McNulty, Healy, Widar and Onley, while Evenepoel and Del Toro are even further adrift, at over a minute.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:41:02.615Z Well, it’s not exactly an attack, but Seixas has ridden Pidcock and Ciccone off his wheel with his relentless pace and now leads the race by himself!<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:39:38.228Z<\/p>\n Seixas is on the charge! Only two riders can keep up with him – Pidcock and Ciccone. Mas is fourth on the road chasing behind, and Del Toro further behind.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:38:28.010Z Seixas takes over at the front and has upped the pace, and has caught all the riders from the break.<\/p>\n He’s also reduced the group to about ten riders – and Evenepoel is one of those being dropped!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:36:23.975Z<\/p>\n Yates leads for UAE, followed by his teammates McNulty and Del Toro; then Seixas, Healy and Pidcock, plus around 15 other riders.<\/p>\n Meanwhile Healy’s teammate Leonard has dropped everyone else in the break, and now leads the race.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:33:33.034Z Jorgenson was dropped on the previous climb, but has made his way back into the peloton and leads it as they begin the climb of Civiglio, now just 40 seconds behind the 6 remaining riders from the break.<\/p>\n He doesn’t last long, however, and UAE take control from him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:29:33.606Z<\/p>\n Pellizzari led Evenepoel up the last climb; will Red Bull manage to maintain that same control up the more difficult Civiglio, which the riders are set to begin in a few moments? Brace yourselves – in the past this has been where Il Lombardia has been decided, and the same could well be the case today.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:26:12.497Z<\/p>\n Pellizzari leads the peloton over the climb, with not much more than 20 riders left on his wheel. 45 seconds is now the gap to them and the break, which is down to 6 riders with Leemreize dropped on the climb.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:22:38.514Z Pellizzari has resumed control on the climb, and this time has Evenepoel right on his wheel. The other favourites have all massed towards the front to be near his wheel, attentive no doubt of a possible attack from the Belgian…<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:18:40.617Z The break are just about to begin San Fermo della Battaglia for the first time, with a lead of 1:30 over the peloton – which, though still made up of dozens of riders, will surely be a lot smaller by the time they reach the top.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:13:11.004Z<\/p>\n It’s still been Pellizzari who has been leading the peloton, and he’s clearly tiring, with the break’s lead growing to 1:20. But as they enter the final circuit there’s a big fight for position as other teams come to the fore, notably Netcompany and Visma, the latter of which still looks very well-represented in the group with five riders.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:05:54.456Z It’s still Giulio Pellizzari who leads the peloton for Red Bull, but Evenepoel has reinforcements now as Rogli\u010d has made his way back into the group. He’s riding tempo for now, keeping the break at just under a minute, and discouraging any more attacks – but that’s likely to change when they hit the net climb, which will be a first ascent of San Fermo della Battaglia.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T14:00:03.254Z<\/p>\n The McNulty group has been caught by the peloton, Red Bull having successfully controlled it. That’s the first big test of the day passed by the team, but they are sure to come under more pressure as rivals don’t wait for Evenepoel to make his move.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:54:37.097Z We’re entering the finale of this race now, as they approach the finishing circuit, with just three climbs left. Simmons, McNulty, Jorgenson and Scaroni have rolled the dice and made their move, and are committed to it, Behind, Red Bull are chasing, and keeping them well in check, at 12 seconds. Meanwhile the seven riders remain from the day’s break are retaining a lead of 45 seconds over the chasers.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:46:29.133Z<\/p>\n The American-flavoured quarter have crested the climb, just 45 seconds after the breakaway group, and a handful of seconds ahead of the peloton, which is being led by Red Bull’s Pellizzari. Remco Evenepoel will be grateful that he still has teammates to help him now the attacks have come, although another, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, was struggling to hang on over the top.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:41:57.779Z We have our first attack from the peloton, and it’s Visma’s Jorgenson! He’s being marked by some of the same American compatriots who he worked so well with in Montreal, albeit now as rivals – Lidl’s Simmons and UAE’s McNulty, plus Italy and Astana’s Scaroni.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:40:21.106Z<\/p>\n O’Connor and Leonard have been joined again by 6 of the riders dropped earlier on the climb, as they come to 1.5km from the summit – Bennett, Leemreize, Moniquet, Masnada, Bernard and Vervaeke.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:35:31.160Z<\/p>\n EF are clearly in an ambitious mood today. They’ve put Juan Felipe Rodriguez at the front of the peloton, and is setting a fast pace enough to drop multiple rides – including the UAE domestiques Christen and Gro\u00dfschartner who had been leading the peloton.<\/p>\n And as we speak the pace is up again, as Red Bull take over from Rodriguez and EF with Giulio Pellizzari.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:30:09.178Z<\/p>\n There have been no attacks yet in the peloton, as UAE take control with Jan Christen.<\/p>\n By contrast the break has split into pieces, with O’Connor going clear with Leonard, and everyone else distanced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:25:16.376Z Race on! We’re on the famous Madonna del Ghisallo, and the tension is up in the peloton as they rise to what is one of the most important moments of the race. EF lead them onto the climb, just over two minutes after the break started it.<\/p>\n Will we see any attacks on it?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:21:34.265Z<\/p>\n Among some of the outside bets for the victory today are Matteo Jorgenson and Ben Helay, pictured in the peloton here.<\/p>\n Healy will surely attack at some point, as he seems to in every race he competes in, and if he can time it right then he has a chance in a parcours that should suit him. And Jorgenson looked in brilliant form riding for the USA at the Worlds, and should now get a chance to ride as a leader for Visma-Lease a Bike; albeit alongside another in-for contender, Giro dell’Emilia winner Davide Piganzoli.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:15:55.245Z<\/p>\n It will be fascinating to see how Brandon McNulty goes today. Though he\u2019s now the world champion, Isaac del Toro still pulls rank in UAE\u2019s line-up; but at the same time, McNulty could benefit from the strength of his team\u2019s numbers with the kind of surprise attack that saw him take the gold medal in Montreal, if given freedom to do so. Everyone will now know that his is not a wheel they can afford to let go.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T13:06:08.639Z<\/p>\n Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! Join today.<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:57:43.709Z Cohesion is breaking down in the break, which has split into three different groups. Panic seems to have set in after the last climb saw their gap so reduced, although it has increased a little again, up to 2:30.<\/p>\n It appears as though the break will reform, but the action suggests hostilities will ignite come the upcoming climb – the famous Madonna del Ghisallo.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:51:53.402Z<\/p>\n Is Paul Seixas ready to take the first monument win of his fledgling career? After breaking through with a seventh place finish here last year, the Frenchman went from strength to strength, but is without a victory since his first classics triumph at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne in April, and was unfortunate to fall out of contention late on during the Worlds with cramps.<\/p>\n The previously feverish expectations have tempered a little as a result, but being able to go under the radar might give him the advantage he needs to win what might turn out to be a tactical finale.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:43:12.298Z<\/p>\n UAE’s pace has slashed the gap to the leaders back down to 2:15. O’Connor responded by upping the pace in the break, and looks stronger than the rest, but isn’t pushing on too hard in other to keep the group together as they reach the top of the climb.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:38:43.769Z UAE are setting the pace in the peloton on the climb, with Sivakov setting a tough pace.<\/p>\n Though they also have recently-crowned world champion Brandon McNulty in their ranks, you suspect they are working for Del Toro (assuming he’s fully fit<\/a>). This is a huge chance for the young star to take what would be a landmark first monument victory in his career, before he turns 23 next month, having already this season made the podium at Strade Bianche and won GP de Montreal.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:26:21.392Z The gap has grown to over three minutes, but there’s an increase in the peloton as they fight for position going on to the fifth climb of the day, Giovenzana.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:19:03.880Z<\/p>\n Resplendent in his new European Champion jersey he won in Ljubljana last week, Evenepoel is the favourite for the win.<\/p>\n That victory suggests he\u2019s in top form again, and over whatever ailed him at the Worlds road race in Montreal, and the fact he has placed second-place to Poga\u010dar in each of the last two editions (and by a considerable margin, of over a minute ahead of the riders in third place) indicates that he stands to gain most from his absence.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:14:46.594Z<\/p>\n Every one of the last 21 monuments since Li\u00e8ge\u2013Bastogne\u2013Li\u00e8ge 2022 has been won by either Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, or a Belgian. With Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel both not present, the only way that steak will continue is if another Belgian wins today.<\/p>\n Remco Evenepoel is probably the favourite for the win, but there are many more non-Belgians in contention. Be sure to have a read of our full run-down before the attacks ignite this race into life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the contenders<\/a><\/p>\n 2026-10-10T12:09:13.305Z<\/p>\n As promised by the race’s nickname, here’s some fallen leaves on the roadside. This is one of the most atmospheric races of the season, and thankfully the rain has held off to keep those leaves crisp rather than damp.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T11:59:01.469Z The riders are currently travelling through a valley road, a rare section of flat on an otherwise up-and-down parcours, and the break is using it to increase their lead. It’s now up to 2:45, the highest it’s been all day.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T11:47:38.328Z<\/p>\n One team notable by their absence at the front of the peloton is Pinarello-Q36.5. In Tom Pidcock they have one of the favourites for the win today, and he acknowledged as much going into the race. But compared to the stellar line-ups of UAE, Red Bull and Decathlon, his Pinarello-Q36.5 support is notably weaker.<\/p>\n ‘A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that’ \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T11:39:24.319Z The riders are now descending Valpiana, their lead have decreased a little on it to 1:40. That’s four climbs done, but there are still five more to come, with as many kilometres still to ride as many entire races. This is a truly punishing race, that will seriously take its toll.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T11:29:33.155Z<\/p>\n Remco Evenepoel’s Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe team is also contributing to the pace-setting. Evenepoel was in bullish mood going into the race, sounding confidant of his chances of taking what would be a first Lombardia title, and is backing those words up with actions by having his team at the forefront of the race.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T11:20:28.946Z<\/p>\n Decathlon have taken responsibility for leading the peloton, for their leader Paul Seixas, and are being assisted by UAE. The latter have expressed some concerns regarding the fitness of their leader Isaac del Toro ahead of the race, but by contributing to the chase, appear to have confidence in his ability to win this race.<\/p>\n ‘I’m kind of nervous’ \u2013 Will mystery knee injury hold Isaac del Toro back at Il Lombardia?<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T11:12:37.143Z<\/p>\n The riders are currently climbing up the Passo di Valcava. This is one of the longest of the day, lasting 10.4km, and rises at a steepish gradient too of 6.1%. But it’s being taken on at a steady pace by both break and peloton, between which the gap is holding steady at two minutes.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T11:03:23.316Z<\/p>\n Bauke Mollema is riding his thirteenth consecutive Il Lombardia today, and the eighteenth of his career – the eleventh of which, in 2019, he won, making him the only former winner riding today.<\/p>\n He was also one of those who went through the morning’s Guard of Honour, to mark his retirement. Have a read of our full story on those riders.<\/p>\n Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T10:50:51.897Z The riders are climbing again, but in a much calmer way than up the previous hill of Selvino. The peloton is holding the gap at two minutes, and are all together, after world champion Brandon McNulty made his way back into it following a mechanical.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T10:40:42.386Z<\/p>\n For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You’ll get comprehensive race coverage, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! Join today<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T10:34:23.646Z<\/p>\n With the gap having exceeded one minute for the first time all day, it does not seem as if we have our break of the day. The likes of Visma and Lidl are represented in it, but UAE, Decathlon and Red Bull are not, so it’ll be up to them to control it and eventually bring it back.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T10:26:28.821Z<\/p>\n Here was O’Connor, Leonard and Kulset on the climb, three of the riders who instigated the move. The group has since swelled to 14, and their hopes are looking brighter again, building a lead of 50 seconds. It remains a very strong group to allow up the road, however, and there will surely be some trepidation in the peloton.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T10:18:42.878Z The race is far from settled yet, and there’s plenty in the peloton not happy with the situation. Visma-Lease a Bike wanted representation in it, and their man Campanaerts has joined it, along with Lidl’s Bernard. And the peloton is only ten seconds adrift, as they continue to descend.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T10:11:50.745Z<\/p>\n A group of chasers have joined the five riders at the front as tey go over the top of the climb, and some very strong riders are present in it – former Lombardia podium finisher Fausto Masnada, along with Tiberi, George Bennett, Leemreize, Mart\u00ed and Moniquet.<\/p>\n That makes for a very strong breakaway group, and not one the peloton will necessarily be happy to let go. Let’s see if they try to chase them down on the descent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T10:03:49.120Z<\/p>\n Maxime Decomble has joined O\u2019Connor, Mifsud, Kulset and Leonard. He should add some serious firepower as this group attempts to establish itself as the day\u2019s break, having massively impressed earlier this week by claiming a breakthrough bronze medal at the European championships time trial.<\/p>\n With just 2km left to climb, they’re 20 seconds up on the peloton.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:59:11.155Z<\/p>\n For the first time in a while, there\u2019s a group of riders who have a gap of a few seconds. Michael Leonard, Andrea Mifsud, Johannes Kulset and, most notably, Ben O\u2019Connor (the latest big name Jayco leader after Michael Matthews\u2019 attempt earlier) have ten seconds on the peloton, with 4km of the climb still left to complete.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:54:12.697Z<\/p>\n Here’s the full story of the riders protest at the start of the day. Many also shared the same message on social media as the protest was being made including leader of the CPA Adam Hansen.<\/p>\n Remarkable scenes at Il Lombardia as riders refuse to start for five minutes and Remco Evenepoel delivers speech to voice peloton\u2019s safety concerns<\/a><\/p>\n A message from the riders: <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:45:50.212Z Things had quietened down for a short while, but the attacking has recommenced now that they have started the Selvino climb. Multiple riders have used its lower slopes to try and go clear, but are being chased down by UAE.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:36:01.659Z<\/p>\n Covi has been caught, but his Jayco teammate Michael Matthews has immediately counter-attacked. That\u2019s a surprising move, as the Australian\u2019s stock in trade is staying in the peloton and surviving hills to sprint from reduced sprints at the finish – as he did at the World two weeks ago, to win the silver medal.<\/p>\n That ride proves he\u2019s in great shape, but is this the best way to race for him to stand a chance of another high finish today? Perhaps not, and the Australian did not fully commit to the move, and has been caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:31:02.556Z<\/p>\n The attacks keep coming, and Alessandro Covi leads the race having managed to build a gap. He’s fifteen seconds up the road, but plenty of riders are showing an eagerness to join him.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:24:00.123Z<\/p>\n After a subdued first few kilometres in which only Marcellusi attacked, the race has now exploded into life. Multiple men have made moves, among them Visma\u2019s Bruno Armirail, who was so strong at the World Championships a fortnight ago. They\u2019ve not been allowed to go clear, and the peloton is all back together.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:19:44.844Z And they\u2019re off! Bardiani\u2019s Martin Marcellusi is the first man to attack, and he has a lead of ten seconds as no rider made an immediate response to follow him<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:14:14.429Z<\/p>\n The riders have only recently set off from the unofficial start, which was delayed as the peloton staged a protest. Remco Evenepoel explained via microphone to the crowd that they were protesting about recent failures of organisers to protect their safety, in a series of incidents that have been especially shocking since the death of Finlay Tarling.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to make the statement to show to the whole world that we cannot keep accepting the act that guys keep getting injured or literally dying\u201d<\/p>\n On behalf of the peloton, Evenepoel said that his message to the organisers of this and future races was: !please make sure that we can race safely, and that we can just do what we like to do without being worried about cars and motorbikes\u2026coming onto the course\u201d<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T09:05:31.203Z<\/p>\n One rider who didn\u2019t take part in the Guard of Honour was Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d. There have been rumours that the Slovenian might be on the brink of retirement, and he himself did not rule out. But his absence from the Guard suggests that he has not made a definitive decision to do so.<\/p>\n Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d says ‘it’s possible’ Il Lombardia will be the final race of his career<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T08:59:34.629Z<\/p>\n There are five retirees in total going through the guard of honour – Pello Bilbao, Ion Izagirre, Rudy Molard, Odd Christian Eiking and Bauke Mollema. All have enjoyed storied careers, and will hope to end their careers in style today.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T08:53:17.281Z<\/p>\n Today will be the final day in the career of many big name riders, and the peloton have formed a guard of honour at the start to see them off.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T08:47:33.342Z<\/p>\n It might poetically be known as Race of the Falling Leaves for its autumnal setting, but the conditions today early on are reflecting the grey, grimmer side to this time of year. There are clouds hanging over the peloton as they wait at the start, and a pressing threat of rain, even if things remain dry for not.<\/p>\n 2026-10-10T08:39:23.852Z<\/p>\n No race in the cycling calendar has been dominated by a single man in recent years as Il Lombardia has been by Tadej Poga\u010dar. The Slovenian has won a record-breaking five editions in succession, each year with increasing supremacy.<\/p>\n Now, however, that run will come to an end. The defending champion is out injured, and in his absence we are set for a wide-open race.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hello and welcome to the 2026 edition of Il Lombardia!<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/CN58ikKozZuReZc5cmE5AW.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\n“I had the feeling that today was a great day, and I managed to make the difference at the moment I chose, maybe a bit earlier, because I felt like the rhythm was not high enough at the start of the climb \u2013 for me at least \u2013 to make the difference, so I had to accelerate early, maybe a bit too early. There were some not really steep parts, so I had to manage my efforts and accelerate in the hard parts.
\n“Then I did the best I could, a TT, me against myself and yeah, it was crazy.”\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pwMKL3M6fb2yitbhmBSb7G.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nPAUL SEIXAS WINS<\/p>\n
\n1KM TO GO<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op8UZLa5Ywb8yKrZj5dYWb.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nSAN FERMO DELLA BATTAGLIA – SECOND ASCENT<\/p>\n
\nCIVIGLIO<\/p>\n
\nSEIXAS ATTACKS<\/p>\n
\nEVENEPOEL DROPPED<\/p>\n
\n20KM TO GO<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/6Yit7bGNxxNUPQB2z5eq4b.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nSAN FERMO DELLA BATTAGLIA – FIRST ASCENT<\/p>\n
\n30KM TO GO<\/p>\n
\n40KM TO GO<\/p>\n
\n50KM TO GO<\/p>\n
\nATTACK – JORGENSON<\/p>\n
\nMADONNA DEL GHISALLO <\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/9QB5iYW65hLQU9qparazkN.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yj2QNybcpkWwVTPgMfRt4a.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jpB95M5AqNWmj9ULkC98pH.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\n90KM TO GO<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mpmAbthZWFsBtV7JjK2vMH.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nGIOVENZANA<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4FteqfHnE3XqXqt2YKzR8N.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\n110KM TO GO<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Gap9T4hRDzYjh9g6shzRbd.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/qsu5u7g2yhjn4F6TggyizZ.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TCkjTRHsesVDV2M6Yx46cJ.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\n130KM TO GO<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/b5H6WNQXLDizxMs3WM3BZe.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ePXmBthYu2vKKjx4Nr5LGJ.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\n150KM TO GO<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4ujNQV2YWYppy6fp8o7Lzm.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"BERGAMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/iRHJv4FSYVUpaH6yXEGoag.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/z3QRHXwS2MkKUuSB6uFoeP.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"BERGAMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/RdyWBKBkJNj5W35xqEFL2B.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nBERBENNO<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/G9wi3YNnf9K87AtEy9B3WN.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/oAi7qwz8Z92v78iCEixfKJ.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/MxJX8BNN33Ehz2mZac2XA8.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"COMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/VaJSPq5v3YFsazM6Z65UC3.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\n200KM TO GO<\/p>\n
\nAs riders, we stand united against the unnecessary risk our lives are being subjected to.
\nThis week alone, there were multiple incidents of vehicles on race courses. Two riders crashed when they hit a motorbike who was driving the wrong way on the race route. Luckily both escaped with cuts and bruises, it could have been so much worse.
\nThis summer, a life was tragically lost to exactly this kind of failure. We will not stand for this any longer.
\nRiders race at high speed with little protection, and we depend on the race organisers to secure the roads. That responsibility is not being met.
\nWe are calling for the help of the UCI for race organisers to take accountability and act. That means a serious, open conversation between riders, race organisers and the UCI resulting in concrete changes to how race routes are secured and managed.
\nAfter five minutes, we raced as normal. We did not want to affect the race, only to show what riders can do when we stand as one.
\nWe love this sport. We respect the race organisers. We want to race hard and put on a show for our fans. However most importantly we want to come home safe to our loved ones.October 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSELVINO<\/p>\n
\nOFFICIAL START<\/p>\n![\"BERGAMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/L5dVkLkRHZCV7yJCMFKTSm.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"BERGAMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pZBZmXbF7TV5NA4fLVmhHb.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n