The Il Lombardia event weekend has been officially unveiled at the Council Chamber of Palazzo Frizzoni in Bergamo. From October 9–11, 2026, the Lombard city will host the start of the ‘Race of the Falling Leaves’, one of the most prestigious events on the UCI World Tour calendar.
Organised by RCS Sport, the professional race is the final Monument of the international cycling season. The following day will feature a historic first as the Gran Fondo Il Lombardia Felice Gimondi sets off from Bergamo for the first time.
RCS Sport is a major sports and media company based in Italy, specialising in the organisation of top-tier cycling events such as the Giro d’Italia and various international marathons.
The weekend officially begins on October 9, 2026, with the opening of the event headquarters and a schedule of build-up activities. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the professional peloton will depart for Il Lombardia presented by Crédit Agricole.
In the 2025 edition, reigning world champion Tadej Pogačar claimed victory in Bergamo, marking his fifth consecutive win in the season’s final Monument. Further details regarding the full route and participating teams are expected at a later stage.
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the weekend concludes with the Gran Fondo Il Lombardia Felice Gimondi. The event allows amateur riders to experience the atmosphere of a Monument Classic while cycling along the roads used by the professional field.
Stefano Allocchio, RCS Sport Race Director, said “Il Lombardia is a race that embodies the history and prestige of world cycling, and bringing the start back to Bergamo means celebrating and strengthening the bond with a region that has always had deep roots in this sport. Bergamo is truly one of cycling’s capitals, and we are confident this weekend will be engaging for everyone – from local residents to the many fans and amateur riders who will gather here. We are working on a top-level edition, featuring a selective and spectacular course designed to highlight the qualities of the great champions and deliver an outstanding show for the public.”
According to the company, the professional race is to be broadcast in 200 countries reaching an audience of over 25 million viewers. Matteo Mursia, Chief Revenue Officer at RCS Sports & Events, said “We are truly delighted and proud to see Bergamo take center stage not only with Saturday’s Monument Classic, but also with Sunday’s Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi, creating a unique and distinctive format that brings together fans and amateur riders through a shared passion for sport – especially cycling.”
The event generates an estimated economic impact of €50 million for the region. Elena Carnevali, Mayor of Bergamo, said “Alongside the professional competition, the Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi represents the most popular and inclusive soul of the event: thousands of amateur cyclists will ride the very same roads as the champions, reaffirming a sporting tradition that is deeply rooted in our territory.”
Luca Onofrio, Head of Mass Events at RCS Sports & Events, added “The Gran Fondo Il Lombardia Felice Gimondi will offer enthusiasts a unique experience, and bringing the start to Bergamo for the first time – 60 years after Felice Gimondi’s first victory, which we wanted to honour with a passage through his hometown of Sedrina – adds a special value to an event that continues to grow every year and aims to become an increasingly important benchmark for the amateur cycling world.”
The Gran Fondo route includes the Valico di Valcava, which features ramps peaking at 17%. The course also passes through Sedrina before tackling the Miragolo San Salvatore and the steep Passo Salmezza. The finish is located at Colle Aperto in the historic Città Alta, following a final ascent of the Boccola, which features cobbles and gradients up to 12%.
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