{"id":1629,"date":"2023-03-07T13:39:16","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T12:39:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=1629"},"modified":"2024-10-12T15:24:04","modified_gmt":"2024-10-12T13:24:04","slug":"cycling-in-northern-italy-on-the-trail-of-il-lombardia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/fietsen-in-noord-italie-in-het-spoor-van-il-lombardia","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in northern Italy: On the trail of Il Lombardia"},"content":{"rendered":"

The cycling season in Italy kicks off with Strade Bianche,<\/a> Tirreno-Adriatico and La Primavera (for non-experts Milan - San Remo) and ends with Il Lombardia<\/a>, the Tour of Lombardy. Funny similarity between the two races: they are usually decided on the final climb, although the Tour of Lombardy has a course that is more distinctive. Cycling in northern Italy is cycling around the lakes of Como, Lago Maggiore and Lago di Varese. Very beautiful! We set out along (part of) the route of this autumn race and there are a lot of beautiful gems to discover there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Como<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The town of Como is located in the western part of Lombardy. The neighbouring (and named after the town) lake is a popular holiday destination for cycling enthusiasts, as well as for 'the happy few'. It is said you can see George Clooney sipping an espresso there. Lombardy itself is vast. The eastern side borders Lake Garda, while on the northern side are the famous cycling areas around the Stelvio<\/a> and Livigno and in the south it runs past Milan to Piacenza. Big, in other words. The Tour of Lombardy finishes one year in fashionable Comi, while the other year the finish is in Bergamo. The two cities change this start and finish location every few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Cycling<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Iconic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the certainties in the Tour of Lombardy is the passage of the Madonna del Ghisallo, a climb that can be tackled from two directions, located just south of Bellagio. Why this Madonna is so iconic? It is the patron saint of all cyclists. In the race, riders ride up from the north side. This is also the toughest variant. During the climb, they ring the bells of the little chapel that stands on top. If you ride this climb yourself, stopping at the chapel is a no-brainer. The little chapel alone is holy ground. Pictures and relics of Coppi, Bartali, Casartelli and more hang there. The chapel was once consecrated and you can ask for Madonna's blessing here (should you wish).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"The
Chapel of Madonna del Ghisallo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next to the little chapel you will find the figureheads of Italian cycling. Coppi, Bartali and Binda. A little further on is the cycling museum. Also worth seeing, but a paid entrance fee. Here, among other things, you can see many old pink jerseys (Breukink's is among them) and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climbing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The climb, which ends at 758m, can thus be climbed from Bellagio and from Canzo. From Bellagio the climb is steep right away, sections of 10% with an outlier to 14.5%! After a few kilometres, it flattens out completely for a while but the last 3 kilometres are still quite steep. So once at the top, victory(s) await. From the other side, from Canzo it's actually more of a training climb going up 10km at 3.8% average. That's just to warm up. If you are then warmed up and you descend towards Canzo, you should turn right after a few kilometres, towards Sormano. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madonna del Ghisallo<\/a>, Bellagio, Italy<\/p>- Distance: 8.6 km, Elevation gain: 506 m, Average grade: 7.1 %<\/blockquote>