Il Lombardia organizers have revealed the route for 2022, which lacks the presence of some of the race's most iconic climbs, but features the return of others as the finish returns to Como.
The race will feature 253 kilometers this year, making it an incredibly long race with a very high amount of climbing. Unlike last year, the race starts in Bergamo, and features the Passo di Ganda - where the decisive attack happened last year - early on in the race. Heading to Como however, it is also noticeable the disappearance of the Muro di Sormano, the ultra-steep climb is unlikely to make a return (at least anytime soon) due to it's dangerous descent, which has seen several vicious crashes in the last few years which gave way to safety concerns.
The route will hence go through the Madonna del Ghisallo as is traditional, before tackling the final combination of climbs at Civiglio and San Fermo della Bataglia, last used in 2020, where the race will be decided - as has been the case on several editions, with many iconic attacks up and down Civiglio sparking to memory.
The Italian monument will also be the final race in the career of two benchmark riders. One being one of the nation's finest and most successful ever riders Vincenzo Nibali, who's won the race twice throughout his career. On the other side, Alejandro Valverde will also be hanging up his wheels after arriving at the finish in Como, both are expected to receive an exponential amount of attention.
Last year the race was won by Tadej Pogacar, who attacked in the penultimate climb of the race, and then outsprinted Fausto Masnada who had managed to bridge across afterwards.
Da Bergamo a Como, 253 km per chiudere la stagione in grande stile 💚👇 Ecco il percorso de Il Lombardia 2022! 🗺️ From Bergamo to Como, 253 km to end the season in style 💚 👇 Check out the route of Il Lombardia 2022! 🗺️ #ILombardia #LaClassicaDelleFoglieMorte #percorso
