| Girardengo's 3rd Lombardia Victory!!!
The 18th edition of the Giro di Lombardia was held on November 5, 1922.
SPECIAL NOTE: The organizers instituted a “neutral zone” at the start to avoid road difficulties (construction zones) in Milan.
A high-speed pace during the opening 70 km flat section did not separate the field. Several non-contenders formed an early breakaway to secure media exposure and to win the minor sprint prizes. These moves were reeled in by the power teams, notably the powerful Bianchi squad.
Race Status:
As the peloton approached the first hills near Varese (94 km into the race / 246 km), a series of attacks decreased the numbers of the leading group. Bianchi riders played a crucial role in the tactics. They controlled the pace to shelter their leader Constante Girardengo and neutralize attacks from his main rivals.
Mechanical problems and minor crashes eliminated numerous contenders.
As the race approached the critical Madonna del Ghisallo climb (150 km / 261 km), attacks began to split the field. Girardengo (Bianchi), Giuseppe Azzini (Maino), and Bartolomeo Aimo (Legnano) went over the summit first.
On the descent of the climb the main peloton failed to mount an effective chase. They allowed the three leaders to open a solid gap. They maintain their advantage in the closing kilometers.
Twenty kilometers from the finish in Milan (Monza), the breakaway faced horrible road conditions with multiple unpaved sections. But entering Monza, the race set-up for a high-speed sprint.
Costante "Campionissimo" Girardengo led the 3-rider breakaway into the finish and easily won the final sprint.
The Giro di Lombardia victory was Girardengo’s second in a row and third overall.
SPECIAL NOTE: In the early 1920s, the Giro di Lombardia was held as Italy recovered from the devastation of World War 1. Economically high inflation, industrial strikes, and unemployment hindered the European lifestyle. Lombardia, one of cycling’s ‘5 Monuments’, became a national treasure that helped boost the morale of a nation rebuilding from wartime devastation.
SPECIAL NOTE: [ Timeline 1922 ], Benito Mussolini marched on Rome and started to take control of Italy. In October (a month before Lombardia), Mussolini established his Fascist regime.
GdL November 5, 1922 |
246 Km, Milan-Milan (Monza) |
1. Costante GIRARDENGO (Ita)
9h01'00" |
2. Giuseppe Azzini (Ita) |
3. Bartolomeo Aimo (Ita) |
Starters: 55 / Finishers: 30 Average Speed: 27.283 km/h |
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Lomb 1921
Lomb 1923
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