Il Lombardia: Peak Pogačar? Seixas Confirms, Vegni Says Goodbye, and 2026 Looms
The autumn sun still shone brightly over the Madonna del Ghisallo as Il Lombardia raced by on Saturday, a stark contrast to the fading energy of the riders. Yet, this iconic race marks the symbolic end of a long season, a transition from the early-season buzz to the autumnal calm.
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation, claimed his fifth consecutive Il Lombardia victory, a record that sparked debates about the peak of his dominance. At 27, Pogačar is near peak physical condition, but the question arises: is he mentally tired, financially secure, and content with his achievements?
The rise of new talents, like Paul Seixas, Alberto Philipsen, and Isaac del Toro, challenges Pogačar's reign. Seixas, in particular, impressed with his third-place finish at the European Championships and a seventh-place finish at Il Lombardia, becoming the youngest rider in over a century to achieve such a feat.
As Pogačar's dominance continues, some argue it's making races less exciting. La Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Merckx, emphasizing the importance of winning in professional cycling. Christian Gatti, a respected Italian journalist, described Pogačar's dominance as 'the monotony of the extraordinary.'
Despite the controversy, Pogačar's success is undeniable. In 2025, he won the Tour de France, UAE Tour, and Critérium du Dauphiné, among others. He also won the world title in Rwanda, adding to his 10 monuments and 108 race victories. However, the question remains: can he maintain this peak performance in 2026?
Mauro Vegni, a veteran race director, bid farewell to Il Lombardia, marking the end of an era in Italian race organization. Vegni, who will retire in 2026, designed the 2026 Giro d'Italia route, starting in Bulgaria. The 2026 season is already underway, with riders like Cian Uijtdebroeks racing in Il Lombardia and looking ahead to their post-season holidays.
As the 2025 season concludes, the 2026 season beckons, with riders chasing UCI ranking points and WorldTour places. The cycling world is in flux, with new talents rising and old legends transitioning, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the future of professional cycling.
