Even though it’s one of the last races of the year on the UCI World Tour, do not doubt the prestige of Il Lombardia – first run in 1905 – as one of the most treasured of the five “Monuments” races of the cycling world.
The 112th edition from Bergamo to Como was decided on the next-to-last climb, with two-time winner (and defending champion) Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) and France’s Thibaut Pinot, breaking away and putting a half-minute between them and the chase pack.
Thibaut attacked relentlessly and created a lead which continued to grow. Nibali fell back so far that he was in danger of slipping from second, but regained his composure in the final kilometers to secure his third medal in this race over the last four years.
In the end, Pinot moved up from third in 2015 and won by 32 seconds in 5:53:22 over Nibali, with Belgian Dylan Teuns winning a six-way sprint for third.
“It’s huge, it’s the most beautiful race,” Pinot said afterwards. “I was on a good day, maybe it was the best shape of my life. The key was to get rid of [Spain’s Alejandro] Valverde and Nibali. The key in fact was to attack.” Summaries:
UCI World Tour/Il Lombardia
Bergamo to Como (ITA) ~ 13 October 2018
(Full results here)
Final Standings (241 km): 1. Thibaut Pinot (FRA), 5:53:22; 2. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA), 5:53:54; 3. Dylan Teuns (BEL), 5:54:05; 4. Rigoberto Uran (COL), 5:54:05; 5. Tim Wellens (BEL), 5:54:05; 6. Ion Izagirre (ESP), 5:54:05; 7. Rafal Majka (POL), 5:54:05; 8. Domenico Pizzovivo (ITA), 5:54:05; 9. Dan Martn (IRL), 5:54:10; 10. George Bennett (NZL), 5:55:32.