CYCLING – Team Bahrain Victorious bring their Italian campaign to a close today in the final Monument of the 2026 European season, Il Lombardia.
The 120th edition of the ‘Race of the Falling Leaves’ will start in Bergamo and finish in Como after 239 kilometres, nine climbs, and approximately 4,600 metres of elevation gain.
Traditionally regarded as the toughest of the five Monuments, Il Lombardia once again offers a route designed for the strongest climbers.
The Monuments are five classic races generally considered to be the oldest, hardest, longest and most prestigious one-day events in men’s road cycling.
After leaving Bergamo, the peloton will immediately face a demanding opening section through Val Seriana, featuring the Colle dei Pasta, with the summit at Bocche di Gavarno, followed by Selvino, Colle di Berbenno and Valpiana.
After a flatter section, the race will enter the rolling roads of Alta Brianza, where the riders will tackle the new Giovenzana approach to Colle Brianza before the iconic Ghisallo, which reaches gradients of up to 14 per cent.
The finale will feature two ascents of San Fermo della Battaglia, as well as the decisive Civiglio climb.
At 4.2km in length and averaging 9.7 per cent, with ramps of up to 14 per cent, Civiglio could provide the launchpad for the winning move.
The final ascent of San Fermo della Battaglia – 2.7km at 7.2 per cent – comes inside a 22km finishing circuit in Como.
Just days after the team celebrated Caruso’s final professional race at Gran Piemonte, Bahrain Victorious will see another of its experienced riders take his final professional pedal stroke at Il Lombardia.
Bilbao announced earlier this season that he would retire from professional cycling, and now he is making Il Lombardia the final chapter of a distinguished career.
For the 36-year-old Basque rider, the race will be a final opportunity to compete on some of the most demanding roads in professional cycling and to close his career at one of the sport’s most prestigious Classics.
“And so, the final day has arrived,” said Bilbao ahead of his last dance.
“Several months have passed since I made the decision to retire and announced it at Itzulia, my home race, in front of my fans. During that time, I’ve been able to savour every moment on the bike with greater awareness and appreciation.
“I’ve also enjoyed some sporting highlights along the way. My sixth place at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, fourth place at Eschborn-Frankfurt and a top-five finish at San Sebastian – not to mention the Vuelta, where we achieved some excellent results as a team – will make the memories of my final year as a professional even more special.
“That was exactly what I wanted – to end my career with a year in which I could remain competitive and play a leading role. And that’s how I’ll approach Il Lombardia tomorrow. It’s a Classic that suits me well, and I won’t hold anything back. I want to finish on a high.”
Bahrain Victorious sports director Roman Kreuziger added: “We want to exit from the last Monument without any regret.