Thibaut Pinot to Bid Farewell to Professional Cycling at Lombardia as Heavyweights Roglič, Pogačar, and Evenepoel Clash

The upcoming 117th edition of the Dead Leaves Classic, known as Lombardia, is set to be an emotional and intense race as it marks the farewell of Thibaut Pinot from professional cycling. Pinot, who has had a career filled with victories and setbacks, will retire after 14 years in the sport. His fans are ready to pay their respects to him in Bergamo, where he won the race in spectacular fashion in 2018.

While Pinot’s retirement brings a sense of melancholy, the race is expected to be a battle among world cycling heavyweights. Tadej Pogačar, the winner of the last two editions, will be aiming for a historic third consecutive win. Despite not reaching his previous high standards this season, Pogačar is known for pulling off impressive victories, especially with the support of his UAE Team Emirates teammates.

Primož Roglič, the recent winner of the Giro dell’Emilia, will also be a strong contender. This race marks his final appearance in the Jumbo-Visma jersey after eight years and over 70 victories. Roglič will be looking for a romantic farewell and hopes to secure his second Monument victory.

Adding to the excitement is the young Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, who has unfinished business with Lombardia following a crash in 2020. Evenepoel’s current condition is unknown as he hasn’t raced since the Vuelta a España, but he is considered a formidable opponent when fully fit. Supported by his Soudal-QuickStep teammates, including the time trial world champion and Il Lombardia contender, Julian Alaphilippe, Evenepoel will be a force to be reckoned with.

While the favorites are strong, one-day races often bring surprises. Riders like Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz, Jai Hindley, Aleksandr Vlasov, and Simon Yates have the potential to challenge for a good placing. Previous Lombardia winners Esteban Chaves, Jakob Fuglsang, and Bauke Mollema will also be worth watching.

Other notable riders in the race include Michael Woods, Valentin Madouas, Warren Barguil, Romain Bardet, and Mikel Landa, to name a few.

The 117th edition of Lombardia promises to be a race of emotions, farewells, and fierce competition as Pinot bids adieu to professional cycling and the heavyweights Roglič, Pogačar, and Evenepoel battle for victory.