Italian classics to prepare Il Lombardia
Il Lombardia is the last of the 5 Monuments of the year and the culmination of the men's UCI WordTour. Traditionally known as il Giro di Lombardia, the “classic of the dead leaves” is indisputably the queen of the autumn classics that take place in northern Italy, but it’s not the only one. Before, several one-day races are held, which although part of the ProSeries, are prestigious classics with lots of history.
This year the 100th edition of Tre Valli Varesini is celebrated, a number already exceeded by the 102 editions of Coppa Bernochi, the 102 of Milano-Torino and the 105 of Gran Piemonte. All these races serve to warm up the atmosphere and the legs of the cyclists before Il Lombardia, but at the same time they are a goal in themselves for many cyclists, especially for the Italians.
Coppa Bernocchi - GP BPM
Route: Although the central circuit includes 6 climbs to Piccolo Stelvio (1.5 km at 6.5%), the last ascent is more than 50 kilometers from home, and the finish in Legnano is completely flat.
Favorites: Ethan Hayter (800), Giacomo Nizzolo (800), Elia Viviani (600), Niccolo Bonifazzio (400), Remco Evenepoel (1200).
100 ^ Tre Valli Varesine
Route: 12 laps of a 13-kilometer circuit with two ascents, Casbeno (2.5 km at 4.9%) and Montello (2 km at 5.2%), to add up to 3,464 vertical meters. Ideal for climbers with punch or puncheurs with motor.
Favorites: Tadej Pogačar (1200), Alexandr Vlasov (1200), Diego Ulissi (1000), David Gaudu (800), Alejandro Valverde (1000), Michael Woods (800), Daniel Martin (800), Bauke Mollema (600), Vincenzo Nibali (600).
Milano - Torino
Route: After giving sprinters an opportunity last year, this year the usual route is back with the arrival in Superga (4.9 km at 9.1%), perfect for climbers.
Favorites: Primož Roglič (1200), Alejandro Valverde (1000), David Gaudu (800), Clément Champoussin (400), Thibaut Pinot (400), Vincenzo Nibali (600), Sepp Kuss (600), Ben O'Connor (600).
Gran Piemonte
Route: Contrary to Milano-Torino, Gran Piemonte comes from a route with a final ascent to a less demanding one. It is perhaps the most suitable of all these races for sprinters.
Favorites: Sonny Colbrelli (800), Ethan Hayter (800), Giacomo Nizzolo (800), Matteo Trentin (800), Alex Aranburu (600), Elia Viviani (600), Arvid De Klein (400).