69th Giro di Lombardia 1975 (Italy)

Francesco MOSER

The 69th edition of the Giro di Lombardia was held on October 11, 1975. The Lombardia weather was not kind in 1975 with heavy rain and occasional snow throughout the race.

1975 Italian National Champion Francesco Moser led a new generation of young superstars into the Giro di Lombardia. But in the pouring rain and cold temperatures the Belgian teams drove the early pace.

De Vlaeminck, Merckx, and Moser in the rain

Moser attacked over the summit of the Val d’Intelvi 60 kms from the finish. Defending Lombardia champion Roger De Vlaeminck, realizing the seriousness of the Moser attack, set-off a ‘daredevil’ chase. A dwindling but elite group formed.

Controversy entered the race after another Moser attack on the climb to Schignano. The Italian champion pushed a 3 rider breakaway with Enrico Paolini (Ita) and Alfredo Chinetti (Ita). With the breakaway gaining time Roger de Vlaeminck (Bel), Freddy Maertens (Bel), and Eddy Merckx (Bel) began to close the gap, when an Italian Television car cut-off the group and slowed the pace of the chase. Race officials did nothing and turned a blind-eye to the incident.

SPECIAL NOTE: When asked about the 'TV car' incident Merckx and De Vlaeminck played down the effect on the outcome of the race.

The breakaway rode into the velodrome in Como over 1 minute ahead of the Belgians. Francesco Moser won the sprint and gained the 1975 Lombardia victory.

Lomb 1974

Lomb 1976

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