The first rumors arrive from the Velo Club Oggiono headquarters: the 98th Il Lombardia U23, the international classic par excellence, will be held on Saturday, October 3, starting and finishing in Oggiono (Lecco). Making it official is president Daniele Fumagalli, who, along with his staff, is working daily to deliver a race that meets the expectations of riders, directors, and the public.
“We decided to further increase the difficulty level of our race,” explains Fumagalli. “The change affects the first part of the route, where we have added the Ello climb, from the Oggiono side, to be repeated four times. From there, it will continue along the traditional route with the ascents of Ghisallo, Villa Vergano, Colle Brianza, and Marconaga di Ello.”
The total distance will increase to 177 km, seven more than in recent editions. “Nothing overwhelming,” Fumagalli specifies, “but an extra touch that will certainly thin out the group right from the early stages.”
A clear signal: Il Lombardia U23 aims to confirm itself as a selective, technical race worthy of its international prestige.
Start from the new ELETTROSYSTEM headquarters: transfer to Barzago before the official start.
Another update concerns the starting location: Il Lombardia U23 will set off from the new headquarters of Elettrosystem, a company led by sole director and passionate enthusiast Beppe Giussani.
The peloton will move from Oggiono in a controlled 7-kilometer neutral transition to Barzago, where the checkered flag will drop to mark the official start of the race. A logistical choice that enhances the local area and allows the peloton to be guided toward the first part of the route, the one renewed with four ascents of the Ello climb.
