ARSAC, BOCK, BRAVO, COUDIERE CANTIN AND JOLVING
ive names stand out above all on the eve of Il Lombardia U23 (Saturday, October 3), a race that promises to be spectacular and rich in technical quality. Bearing the weight of expectation are riders who have already made a major mark on the international stage this season.
The primary contender for victory is Brazilian Henrique Bravo of Soudal Quick-Step Devo, winner of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta, 3rd at the Giro d’Italia Next Gen, 5th at the Tour de l’Avenir, and protagonist of a top-tier season. Keep an eye as well on frenchman Rémi Arsac of the Decathlon CMA-CGM Development Team, who finished fifth at the Giro d'Italia Next Gen and confirmed himself among the most interesting young talents on the European circuit. Among the most anticipated riders is Danish cyclist Otto Schultz Jolving of Team ColoQuick, fresh off a strong fourth-place finish at the Ruota d'Oro in Tuscany, a result that proves his excellent form heading into the Oggiono classic. Max Böck of Red Bull BORA-hansgrohe Rookies must also be taken into serious consideration. The young German talent comes to the start line with impressive credentials following his third place at the Giro della Valle d'Aosta, placing him firmly among the potential contenders. Completing the group of favorites is French champion Thimothée Coudière Cantin of Vendée U Primeo Energie, a well-rounded and versatile rider on all terrains who has already claimed his national U23 title this year.
THE ITALIANS CHALLENGE THE FAVORITES: SCALCO, VESCO, BAMBAGIONI AND CATTANI ARE THE ITALIAN CARDS TO PLAY
On the Italian front, four main names will be tasked with countering the strong foreign contingent assembling at the start of Il Lombardia U23. First in the spotlight is Matteo Scalco of XDS Astana Development Team, coming off an excellent sixth-place finish at the recent Under 23 World Championship in Montreal, a performance confirming his international caliber. Significant attention also surrounds Leonardo Vesco of Biesse Carrera Premac, who has built a strong season highlighted by a second-place finish at the prestigious Gran Premio di Capodarco. Among the main contenders is also the tandem from Technipes Caffè Borbone, a team fielding two riders capable of making an impact. On one side is Tommaso Bambagioni, already winner of the Coppa Fiera di Mercatale; on the other is Alessandro Cattani, another Italian fresh off the Montreal World Championships, where he represented Italy in both the time trial and the road race. Four riders called upon to defend the Italian colors in a race that promises top-level technical and international competition, aiming to halt the foreign charge and write their name into the roll of honor of one of the most prestigious classics on the Under 23 calendar.
RACE INFO
Gathering and Race HQ: 10:30 AM in Via Papa Paolo VI, Oggiono
Neutralized start: 12:00 PM (7 km controlled transfer from Oggiono to Barzago)
Official start: 12:30 PM from the Elettrosystem headquarters in Barzago
Finish line: Viale Vittoria, Oggiono at approximately 4:35 PM
Total distance: 177 km
RECENT ROLL OF HONOR
2025 Thornley Callum (GBR)
2024 Rolland Brieuc (FRA)
2023 Lecerf William Junior (BEL)
2022 Segaert Alec (BEL)
2021 Lapeira Paul (FRA)
2020 Sweeny Harry (AUS)
2019 Bagioli Andrea (ITA)
2018 Stannard Robert (AUS)
2017 Riabushenko Alexandr (BLR)
2016 Vanhoucke Harm (BEL)
2015 Masnada Fausto (ITA)
2014 Moscon Gianni (ITA)
2013 Villella Davide (ITA)
2012 Polanc Jan (SLO)
