Every October, just as you can count on the leaves changing colors and falling off the trees, you can expect the start of the Giro di Lombardia. Nicknamed La Classica delle foglie morte (Literally, "The Classic of the Dead Leaves" but more poetically translated as "Race of the Falling Leaves"), it's a classic race in Italian road cycling, and it runs like clockwork, even running during World War I. Its route is famed for its impressive technical challenges and beautiful locations. Here are some of the more notable sections:
The race often begins and ends near Lake Como, an area that feels like it was designed for cycling. Smooth lakeside roads twist through charming villages, with the water on one side and mountains rising steeply on the other. For riders, it's the perfect warm-up before tackling the legendary climbs that define the race. For the traveler, there are so many incredible places to bike on and around Lake Como that the lake itself is a great cycling destination.
No mention of this route is complete without the Madonna del Ghisallo. Rising from Bellagio, it climbs roughly 10 km with pitches averaging 6% but occasionally kicking up to double digits. At the summit stands the Madonna del Ghisallo chapel, patron saint of cyclists, where jerseys, bicycles, and mementos from champions fill the tiny stone walls. This is definitely not an easy climb, nor a route we would necessarily suggest to casual riders. For true cycling enthusiasts, this could be a juicy challenge to sprinkle in during a bike tour, to pedal in the wake of champions.
For those seeking a true test, the Muro di Sormano is infamous. Just 1.9 km long, it averages over 15% with stretches hitting a lung-burning 25%. Painted numbers mark every meter on the road, counting down the climb like a cruel reminder of what's left. Many pros consider it one of the hardest short climbs in cycling. If you are a real enthusiast interested in putting yourself to the test, why not give it a shot?
Beyond these icons, the Giro di Lombardia offers a blend of rolling hills, vineyard-lined roads, and technical descents. The route often threads through towns like Erba, Asso, and Civiglio, giving cyclists glimpses of quiet piazzas and stone houses before plunging back into the challenging terrain. The combination of lake views, wooded climbs, and crisp autumn air makes it one of the most atmospheric cycling experiences in Italy.
Even if you don't attempt the calf-burning climbs, the routes taken during the Giro di Lombardia are perfect for inspiring you to explore and savor northern Italy at its finest: espresso stops in lakeside cafes, switchback climbs under canopies of falling leaves, and descents that drop toward Como's shimmering waters