This is Cicco! Third place at Il Lombardia
In the last Monument of the season, Giulio Ciccone put a complicated season behind him with a super performance that saw him finish on the podium behind Pogacar and Evenepoel
Sometimes podiums are worth more than the numbers that took a rider there show. The third step of the podium is not the win, but when that result comes behind the World Champion and dominator of the season, Tadej Pogacar, and the double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, its value unquestionably increases.
COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 12: (L-R) Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step on second place, race winner Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates and Giulio Ciccone of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek on third place pose on the podium ceremony after the 118th Il Lombardia 2024 a 255km one day race from Bergamo to Como / #UCIWT / on October 12, 2024 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Giulio Ciccone stood on the podium of Il Lombardia at the end of a gritty, intelligent race behind two phenomena and, that is why, the satisfaction doubles today.
In addition to this, there’s the fact that Giulio managed to get the best result of his season at the end of complicated, and sometimes difficult, months. A season that started badly, with a health problem, and in which the Italian rider was not able to shine as many times as he had hoped.
But, in his last act of the season (the team will still race in China and Japan), he proved he is back and now, he can look to the future with confidence and begin to work towards a great 2025.
COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 12: (L-R) David Gaudu of France and Team Groupama - FDJ and Giulio Ciccone of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek compete in the chase group during the 118th Il Lombardia 2024 a 255km one day race from Bergamo to Como / #UCIWT / on October 12, 2024 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Il Lombardia in Cicco’s words
It’s a podium that means a lot to me, it’s the best way to end a difficult year. I started riding in March, that cost me an important part of the season and I was forced to revise plans and goals. This is a result that gives me morale to prepare for the new season with confidence and high spirits.
From the very first climbs I felt that my legs were those of the best days. It was a confidence boost. I told my teammates who gave me morale and a lot of support: thank you guys! We achieved the maximum we could, we have no regrets. We have to be realistic, I am racing at a time where there are absolute champions. Being on the podium with two of them, Pogi and Remco, brings a kind of satisfaction. It gives added value to my result.
The race went as we expected. Tough from the beginning, the intentions of everyone were clear. The pace rose to a crescendo because the breakaway looked dangerous to many riders and teams left no breathing room during the chase. When we caught up with the breakaway, the pace did not slow down until it became unbearable for everyone, except Pogi. It was important for me to manage myself, to race smart. I felt I still had something left in my legs and kept it for the last climb.
Lombardia is a tough race, when you finish it you are destroyed, but it is a fantastic classic that I love and, on paper, opens up so many different scenarios. Today, I’m on the podium for the first time. The dream, one day, is to stand on the top step.
COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 12: Giulio Ciccone of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek crosses the finish line during the 118th Il Lombardia 2024 a 255km one day race from Bergamo to Como / #UCIWT / on October 12, 2024 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
