Cycling: The last big highlight of the season in road cycling takes place on Saturday. At the Tour of Lombardy, the hill-proof professionals fight for victory in the fifth monument of the year. In what condition is Maximilian Schachmann after his serious fall at the Tour de France?
The route: 243 kilometers from Bergamo to Como
Thibaut Pinot (Groupama – FDJ) managed to end the season perfectly last year at the Tour of Lombardy. However, without starting, the Frenchman will not be able to repeat his success. There are still enough contenders. The wavy profile suits many pros who prefer an offensive style of riding and can still show top form in autumn. The route takes the drivers a whopping 243 kilometers from Bergamo to Como. A preliminary decision will be made at the Colma di Sormano with the extremely steep Muro di Sormano that follows. There it goes almost 2,0 percent uphill over almost 16,0 kilometers on average. After a descent and a somewhat longer flat section, the Civiglio and the climb in the municipality of San Fermo della Battaglia finally bring the decision.
Alaphilippe ends his season prematurely
Although the profile of the Tour of Lombardy Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) is tailor-made, the Frenchman has never won this last monument of a season. The reasons for this are obvious, as the 27-year-old prepares for the spring classics and the Tour de France every year. A third highlight of the season in autumn was not to be achieved this year either. Therefore, he canceled his participation at short notice.
Julian Alaphilippe:
“I've worked really hard to be at my peak for a third time this year after riding the classics and the Tour de France. But I knew at the World Cup that my form wasn't what I'd like it to be. I really wanted to be in Italy with the lads and give my all for the team, but given that I can't do that, it makes sense that I start the rest now."
Velomotion prognosis: Gilbert wins with frustration and good form
The German, on the other hand, will be there Maximilian schachmann (Bora – hansgrohe), as well as his teammate and compatriot Emmanuel Buchman. Together they could ensure a German success in the Lombardy tour. The competition is likely to come mainly from the Deceuninck – Quick-Step team. Because despite the lack of Julian Alaphilippe the Belgian team has at least one favorite. Philip Gilbert won the race in 2009 and 2010. He was also in top form at the Vuelta a Espana. He was only unable to compete for gold at the World Championships because of a fall in the decisive phase. Also Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain – Merida), Jakob Fuglsang (Astana), Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) you have to have on the bill. With all their experience and their basic skills, they could ensure a round end of the season.
☆☆☆ Philippe Gilbert (Deceuninck – Quick Step)
* * Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Primoz Roglic (Jumbo – Visma)
* Maximilian Schachmann (Bora - hansgrohe), Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain - Merida), Jakob Fuglsang (Astana)