2026 Il Lombardia Race Report: Paul Seixas Claims a Dominant Victory and Becomes the Youngest Champion in Race History

The 120th edition of Il Lombardia came to a conclusion in Italy on October 10, 2026. Known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” this prestigious one-day Classic is one of the most important events on the UCI WorldTour calendar and brings together many of the world's top riders. In this year's edition, French rider Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM delivered a commanding performance, launching a decisive attack on the key climbs and demonstrating impressive solo-riding ability to claim victory in Como.

Seixas completed the 239-kilometer race in 5 hours, 49 minutes and 28 seconds. Spain's Enric Mas finished second, 48 seconds behind, while Italy's Giulio Ciccone took third place, 1 minute and 5 seconds down. The victory marked a major breakthrough in Seixas's professional career and made him the youngest winner in Il Lombardia history, adding a significant milestone to the 2026 road cycling season.

1. Race Overview: A 239-Kilometer Challenge Through Italy

The 2026 edition of Il Lombardia took place on October 10, covering 239 kilometers from Bergamo to Como. The route passed through the Val Seriana area before entering the foothills of the Italian Alps, where riders faced a succession of demanding climbs.

Il Lombardia has long been renowned for its challenging climbing sections and tactical battles. Unlike one-day races decided primarily by sprinting ability, this event tests riders' climbing strength, endurance, timing, and descending skills. As the race progressed into its second half, the repeated climbs gradually reduced the size of the peloton, making differences in fitness and tactical decision-making increasingly important.

The race also experienced an unusual interruption. At the start, riders briefly delayed proceedings to protest safety concerns. Following discussions, the race resumed, and the riders continued with the competition. 

2. The Decisive Move: Seixas Attacks on the Civiglio Climb

As the race entered its decisive phase, the Civiglio climb became the key tactical battleground. With approximately 19 kilometers remaining, Seixas seized his opportunity and launched a powerful attack, immediately changing the dynamics of the leading group.

Against a field featuring several experienced elite riders, Seixas chose not to wait for a final sprint. Instead, he accelerated on the climb, gradually opening a gap over his rivals and forcing the other contenders to respond.

As Seixas continued to extend his advantage, the chasing group struggled to organize an effective pursuit. Mas and Ciccone subsequently emerged as the main contenders for the remaining podium places, while other pre-race favourites were unable to return to the fight for victory.

In the closing kilometers, Seixas maintained a steady pace and negotiated the descent carefully, preserving his advantage all the way to the finish in Como. His decisive attack demonstrated a combination of climbing strength, tactical awareness, and sustained solo-riding ability.

3. Final Results: Seixas Leads the Podium

According to the provisional results published by the race organizers, the podium featured riders from France, Spain, and Italy. Seixas claimed victory with a substantial advantage, while Mas and Ciccone delivered consistent performances to secure second and third place, respectively.

Remco Evenepoel finished fourth, 1 minute and 20 seconds behind the winner, unable to close the gap to the leading riders. Brandon McNulty recorded the same time to take fifth place.

The results highlight the defining feature of this year's race: Seixas established a decisive advantage during the key climbing phase. Although the chasing group contained several exceptionally strong riders, they were unable to turn the race around during the remaining kilometers.

4. A Historic Breakthrough: Seixas Becomes the Youngest Il Lombardia Champion

One of the most significant aspects of this year's race was Seixas's achievement in becoming the youngest champion in Il Lombardia history. Born on September 24, 2006, he was just 20 years and 16 days old when he won the 2026 edition.

Il Lombardia is one of cycling's five Monuments and one of the most prestigious one-day races in the latter part of the road racing season. Defeating a field of experienced professionals at this level demonstrates Seixas's ability to compete for victory in the sport's most demanding Classics.

Looking back at his 2026 season, Seixas had already achieved impressive results in several major events, including overall victory at the Tour of the Basque Country, victory at La Flèche Wallonne, and second place at Liège–Bastogne–Liège. He also finished fourth overall in his first appearance at the Tour de France.

His victory at Il Lombardia further strengthened his season's achievements and established the young French rider as one of the most closely watched emerging talents in international road cycling.

5. Conclusion: A New Generation Makes Its Mark on the Season's Final Monument

The 2026 edition of Il Lombardia concluded with a commanding victory for Paul Seixas. From Bergamo to Como, the 239-kilometer race tested not only the riders' endurance but also their ability to make the right decisions on successive climbs and at critical tactical moments.

Seixas's decisive attack on the Civiglio climb proved to be the turning point. Rather than leaving the outcome to a sprint near the finish, he created his own opportunity and maintained a consistent solo effort to the line. Mas and Ciccone finished second and third, respectively, while Evenepoel and McNulty completed the top five.

For the 2026 men's road cycling season, the race brought one of the year's most important Classics to a close while witnessing a young rider achieve a major breakthrough at the highest level. With this victory, Seixas secured his place in Il Lombardia's history and delivered one of the defining performances of the season.