The Classic of the Falling Leaves is upon us. The final Monument of the 2024 season is being raced this coming weekend, so naturally our imaginations and hearts are drifting through the back lanes of Lombardia, Italy. If the past week of racing through Italy has made anything apparent, it’s that Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar are racing neck and neck and that the Wolfpack has something to prove. Il Lombardia should make for a dynamic backdrop to all of the drama playing out in the World Tour. We will most definitely enjoy the race. To help get us inspired, we’ve been overindulging in some Italian-themed content.

wheels we’re following

kit we’re eyeing

where we’re riding

café-stop reading

Il Lombardia has been around for a while. Since 1905. In its 118-year history, it has only been cancelled twice, 1943 and 1944—that’s impressive. Fausto Coppi won the race five times—that’s also impressive. The most recent winner is Tadej Pogačar, who’s won it back-to-back—again, very impressive stuff. The race’s first winner, Giovanni Gerbi, was also impressive. Read about Gerbi’s cunning and strength in Cyclist Magazine and get inspired for this weekend.

off the back of the newsletter

If you didn’t already know, Mark Cavendish isn’t retiring after all. (Re)watch the Netflix doc on the Manx Missile to better understand his motivations. Listen to Pretty Serious Bike Racing discuss the Italian classics. The Soudal-Quick-Step-Jumbo-Visma rumor mill keeps churning. R.I.P. Surly Cross-Check. The UCI Gravel World Championships are also in Italy this weekend. At 43-years-old, Valverde plans to race and be very competitive in the Gravel World Championship—celebrate for the old guys. This t-shirt is for those old guys.