Two hundred forty-seven kilometers up and down the hills, with a total elevation gain of 4,000 meters: a fierce battle is guaranteed, from the start to the finish line. Two past winners of Il Lombardia will be chasing a second victory: Italian Vincenzo Nibali (2015) and Irishman Daniel Martin (2014); unfortunately, due to an injury, the Colombian Esteban Chaves (winner of the 2016 edition) will not be in the bunch. Other contenders will include the winner and the runner-up of the 2017 Giro d’Italia, Tom Dumoulin and Nairo Quintana; the runner-up of the 2017 Tour de France, Rigoberto Uran; Team Sky’s climbers Diego Rosa and Mikel Landa; and Italian champion Fabio Aru.

It will be a special weekend for cycling lovers. After cheering for the pro riders on Saturday, amateurs can emulate them on Sunday, October 8. This year will see the first Granfondo Il Lombardia (110.3 km), which will follow the final part of the pros’ epic route, allowing the amateurs to tackle the same climbs as their heroes. The most famous, without a doubt, is the Muro di Sormano, almost 2 kilometers long and with an average gradient of 15.8% and a maximum of 27%. During the climb, the riders’ eyes will follow the numbers written on the road, the elevation increasing with every pedal stroke.

Will it rain or not? Fall is here, and the weather is an unknown variable, disturbing the anxious cyclist’s dreams. October is always a question mark when you ride around Como, so it’s best to be prepared. For days like these, Castelli has developed a special item, a must-have for everyone, including Team Sky’s riders: the Idro Jacket, featuring the GORE-TEX® SHAKEDRY™ technology. The Gore-Tex® Active fabric with a new permanent beading surface uses an innovative construction that eliminates the textile on the outer surface, resulting in a two-layer fabric that is lighter weight and doesn’t absorb moisture on the outer surface. Water rolls off, you stay drier, and it all packs away to an almost impossibly small size – and with a weight of just 123 grams

- IDRO JACKET -
The most breathable Gore-Tex® ever made