Giro di Lombardia: Seixas Dominates and Makes History; Ciccone Finishes Third
A sensational Paul Seixas wins the 120th Giro di Lombardia with a world-class move, attacking in the final stretch and leaving the field in his wake. The French rider from the Decathlon CMA CGM Team triumphed in the 239-kilometer Monument classic from Bergamo to Como with a performance reminiscent of Tadej Pogacar’s. This marks the young Frenchman’s first victory in one of cycling’s five major classics, while France returns to victory in the Giro di Lombardia following Thibaut Pinot’s triumph in 2018. Seixas also makes history in the race: at 20 years and 16 days old, he becomes the youngest winner of the Giro di Lombardia, breaking the record held by Giovanni Gerbi, who won the first edition in 1905 at 20 years, 5 months, and 8 days.
The Frenchman sealed his victory with a decisive attack on the Civiglio climb, where he managed to break away from all his rivals. Behind him, Spain’s Enric Mas of Movistar crossed the finish line 48 seconds behind. Third place went to Italy’s Giulio Ciccone, already a silver medalist at the European Championships, who finished 1’05” behind the winner. Rounding out the top five were Belgian Remco Evenepoel in fourth and American Brandon McNulty in fifth.
The turning point came as the peloton approached the Civiglio climb. After Pellizzari’s long effort to set up his captain, UAE Team Emirates tried to increase the pace with Yates. However, it was Seixas who completely changed the face of the race, launching an attack without even standing on the pedals and immediately making his mark.
The Frenchman caught up to the leaders and whittled down the group, initially leaving only Britain’s Tom Pidcock and Giulio Ciccone on his wheel. The pace set by the winner of the Flèche Wallonne, however, proved unsustainable even for the last remaining contenders in the race for victory.
Seixas gradually increased his lead and sped toward Como, turning his attack on the Civiglio into the decisive move of the day. A show of strength that earned him the first Giro di Lombardia of his career and a place in the history of the Fall Classic.
