OGGIONO CROWNS THE FUTURE
The Lombardy Region hosted the presentation of the 98thedition of "Il Lombardia U23," the prestigious international classic for under-23 riders, set to take place on Saturday, October 3 in Oggiono, near Lecco. The official presentation was attended by Undersecretary for Sport and Youth Federica Picchi, Undersecretary for Autonomy Mauro Piazza, President of the Lombardy Committee of the Italian Cycling Federation Stefano Pedrinazzi, President of the Lecco Provincial Committee Alessandro Bonacina, President of Velo Club Oggiono Daniele Fumagalli, and Beppe Giussani, main sponsor representing Elettrosystem.
The route details were unveiled, showcasing an even more selective course for the 2026 edition of Il Lombardia U23. The main new feature is the Ello climb tackled from the Oggiono side, included in the opening phase of the race and repeated four times. The finale will feature the key landmarks of the race, with the ascents of Ghisallo, Villa Vergano, Colle Brianza, and Marconaga di Ello. Total distance will reach 177 kilometers, an increase of seven kilometers compared to recent editions.
There are also changes on the logistical front. After departing from Oggiono at 12:00 PM, riders will cover a 7-kilometer neutral zone to Barzago, where the official start will be given at the new headquarters of Elettrosystem. This decision highlights a wider area of the Lecco territory while immediately directing the race into the new opening circuit with four passages over the Ello climb.
An exceptionally high-caliber international field has been announced. Among the most anticipated names are French national champion Cantin Coudière and compatriots Arsac and Daumas; Australia's Ward; Brazil's Bravo, winner of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta; British riders Hereward, Hinds, Dodd and Rowe; Colombia's Quintero, Denmark's Biehl and Jolving; Mexico's Cisneros, Switzerland's Zumstein, Germany's Bock, Poland's Goszczurny and Belgium's Cuylits alongside national champion Marivoet.
Among the Italians, the spotlight is on national champion Mattia Negrente, fresh off his prestigious victory yesterday at the Ruota d'Oro in Tuscany. Great attention is also focused on Italian national team members Matteo Scalco (6th in the Montreal road race) and Alessandro Cattani, returning from the World Championships in Canada, as well as other prominent under-23 names including Leonardo Vesco, Tommaso Bambagioni, Luca Morlino, brothers Pietro and Simone Galbusera, Diego Nembrini, and Tommaso Bosio. It is a top-tier field of participants that reinforces the international prestige of the Lecco classic.
