Giro di lombardia.

The race of the falling leaves.

By Black Sheep Cycling

September 30^th, 2018

IL Classica delle Foglie Morte – The Race of the Falling Leaves.

Summer has given way to autumn. It's that romantic time of year when the days shorten, but the shadows grow and the leaves on the trees are resplendent with colour. Il Giro di Lombardia is the Autumn Classic. A second Spring. But it's no walk in the park. Far from it. If you thought this was a gentle ride through wooded hills with Lake Como as its backdrop, the sight of shell-shocked riders atop Muro di Sormano will disavow you of that notion.

Il Giro di Lombardia is the Autumn Classic. A second Spring. But it's no walk in the park.

'I cannot understand why Torriani [Race Director] wanted to choose a novelty of this kind. I understand that Ghisallo [Madonna del Ghisallo climb] no longer gave guarantees of selection, but frankly it went in the opposite direction. This climb is simply bestial, impossible to ride.' – Ercole Baldini, 1962

Steeped in history, the race boasts an incredible parcour that passes cycling's holy grail – the almost mystic Madonna di Ghisallo chapel – and then sends riders up the Colma di Sormano. Better known as the Wall. Introduced to 'make a difference' in 1960, the brutal climb, which tops out at 27%, only made three editions before being set aside for some 50 years. Reintroduced in 2012, it now notes every metre of altitude climbed in large print on the road and quotes the champions of yesteryear such as Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi.

Coppi prevailed five times in The Race of the Falling Leaves. A record unmatched by anyone. In fact, Italians dominated the race in first half of the 20th century, before Belgians and others got to grips with this climbing classic. But even in recent years, the devoted local tifosi have never had to wait long for victory. The six editions between Damiano Cunego in 2008 and Vincenzo Nibali in the 2015 were their driest spell. Still, their raucous cheering could be heard ringing around the punchy and picturesque hills of Lake Como until winter stole their voices.

italian takeover.

Form Friday October 5, Black Sheep is coming to Italy and taking over. We've teamed up with our Latin lovers Sartoria Ciclistica and Alba Optics to organise two weeks of good times – rides, coffee, food, kit and, the thing we do best, parties. Join us in Milan at the Bovisa Trackhouse Popup and then follow us to Como for more fun and frolics.