Il Lombardia scheduled without five-time winner Pogačar

Il Lombardia was scheduled to run Saturday, October 10, from Bergamo to Como, with Tadej Pogačar absent and no single rider established as the clear favorite in previews of the 239-kilometer race. The five-time defending champion was reported to be sidelined after a crash at the Vuelta a España, leaving the final Monument of the season without its recent dominant winner. The race had not been completed in the material available for this report. Accordingly, assessments of likely contenders remain predictions, not results. Riders highlighted ahead of the start included Isaac Del Toro, Remco Evenepoel, Paul Seixas, Tom Pidcock, Brandon McNulty and Matteo Jorgenson. The course was described as featuring about 4,600 meters of climbing. It includes the Madonna del Ghisallo and a concluding circuit near Como with repeated ascents, including San Fermo della Battaglia and Civiglio. The route’s climbs and late circuit were presented as likely to shape the contest, but the race’s eventual tactics and outcome were not yet known. Pogačar had won the previous five editions, according to the previews.