II Lombardia is the last one-day race in the pro cycling season. Due to autumn’s golden backdrop, it is also called the “Race of the Falling Leaves”. No wonder the race provides a great opportunity for betting online due to its timing and terrain. Over the last century, the race has had multiple winners who showed daredevil descending skills. The hills of Lombardy can be friendly only to the riders with exceptional climbing legs.
Tadej Pogačar (2021-2025)
Tadej Pogačar won five consecutive races at II Lombardia. In 2025, the Slovenian cyclist made an amazing attack on the last climb, which allowed him to win the race. Generally, this season turned out to be incredibly successful for Pogačar. After winning the Tour de France, Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, he didn’t have a big problem to conquer II Lombardia. According to his own words, every year feels like his best.
Pogačar showcases his incredible cycling skills on both climbs and descents. To produce a high level of consistency, he has two key physiological traits: durability and power. His innate ability to adapt and recover from big training loads better than anyone else gives him a serious advantage over his closest rivals. Pogačar also has big plans for the next year since his age allows him to win a few more races.
Joaquim Rodríguez (2012-2013)
Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez is a Spanish climber who has had two of his finest career races at Il Lombardia. He mastered the steep climbs, which helped him produce quick attacks. His closest rivals were always attacked unexpectedly, which made it hard for them to bring back their dominance.
In 2012, Rodríguez attacked decisively on the final climb to Lecco, becoming the first Spaniard ever to win Il Lombardia. He repeated the feat in 2013. Despite cold, rainy weather, he managed to show his resilience and tactical brilliance. Rodríguez’s double victory cemented his legacy as one of cycling’s greatest puncheurs. His determination and perfect timing brought excellent results that determined his legacy.
Paolo Bettini (2005-2006)
Paolo Bettini is an Italian road racing cyclist known for his exceptional racing skills. He won two consecutive races at Il Lombardia. In 2005, he outperformed Gilberto Simoni and Fränk Schleck on the Civiglio climb. He managed to leave his rivals behind before reaching the final.
The scenario repeated itself the following year. During the 100th edition of the race, Bettini became a winner, showing his resilience on the climb by leaving Wegmann and Sánchez behind. He dedicated his performance to his late brother Sauro, who had tragically passed away ten days earlier. Bettini crossed the finish line in tears, looking at the sky. A touching tribute marked probably one of the most emotional victories in cycling.
Gianni Faresin (1995)
Gianni Faresin was a professional road racer who won the 1995 Giro di Lombardia. He wasn’t just a winner; he showed the best result in the race’s long history. Faresin showed 43.32 km/h (26.92 mph). The Italian cyclist had exceptional endurance and tactical sharpness, mastering the local terrain masterfully.
Faresin won the race through smart positioning and perfect timing rather than a solo attack. His win was studied by other athletes in terms of creativity and tactical thinking. No wonder his achievement remains inspirational for new generations of cyclists.
Roger De Vlaeminck (1974, 1976)
Roger De Vlaeminck is widely known as Monsieur Paris-Roubaix. He also shone at the Giro di Lombardia, winning the prestigious autumn classic in 1974 and 1976. De Vlaeminck is a master of all terrains who managed to combine excellent speed and tactics. His victory came through a powerful late attack in 1974. He also showed supreme control in 1976.
De Vlaeminck’s win at II Lombardia became a serious career achievement. He won all five cycling Monuments, including the Tour of Flanders, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and others. With this kind of success, he put himself on the same pedestal as Eddy Merckx and Rik Van Looy.
Gino Bartali (1936, 1939-1940)
Gino Bartali was one of the greatest cyclists in Italy. Winning Il Lombardia three times allowed him to build his legacy. He was known for his climbing strength and resilience. Bartali was good at climbing the mountains of Lombardy with great endurance. His victory marked the rise of a new Italian champion. His back-to-back wins confirmed his mastery of one-day racing.
Bartali’s heroism was shown far beyond sports. He used his name to help Jewish families get the necessary documents. His courage saved many lives and earned him public recognition as Righteous Among the Nations. His sense of empathy and integrity made him a legend in Italian history.
Giovanni Gerbi (1905)
Giovanni Gerbi made history as the first winner of Il Lombardia in 1905. On a cold, wet November day, he rode over 200 km from Milan through Crema, Bergamo, and Lecco before returning to Milan. He finished the race 40 minutes ahead of his rivals.
Gerbi meticulously studied the route in order to build smart tactics. He managed to make a quick attack near Crema, using his knowledge of the tramlines and escaping the peloton. His bold solo break became legendary. Gerbi’s mastery of strategy and endurance had a huge impact on cycling in Italy. His 1905 triumph remains a cornerstone in his legacy.
Il Lombardia always indicates the symbolic end to a long season. Maybe this is the reason why this one-day race doesn’t get much public attention like other races. Since 1905, it has had many winners who inspired many generations of cyclists in a good way. So the impact of II Lombardia has a huge impact on the whole industry.
The post Climbing to Glory: Il Lombardia Winners Through the Years appeared first on PezCycling News.
