| Young Alfredo Binda Wins Lombardia
The 21st edition of the Giro di Lombardia was held on November 4, 1925. The 1925 "Race of the Falling Leaves" had risen to an established UCI level, solidifying its status as one of cycling’s five Monuments.
The first fifty kilometers over flat terrain were controlled by the powerful Legnano-Pirelli team. Only minor attacks by non-contenders were allowed by the peloton.
Race Status:
On the Madonna del Ghisallo climb, Alfredo Binda (Legnano) broke clear of the group and quickly opened a 2-minute gap on the fragmented peloton.
Binda on the Madonna del Ghisallo
With 180 kilometers to the finish, Binda tactically slowed his pace and allowed a select group to join the breakaway.
Costante Girardengo countered at the reconnection and moved away from the leaders. Quickly Binda bridged the gap, and the 'final selection' was established.
Binda used his superior climbing strength to accelerate away from Girardengo. He set a pace that only a tiring ‘Gira’ could follow. Behind the leaders, the peloton splintered on the rolling Lombardia terrain.
With 55 km to the finish, at the foot of the Brinzio climb, Binda dropped a fatigued Costante Girardengo and rode solo towards Milan.
Talented 23-year-old Alfredo Binda (Legnano) crossed the finish line in Milan to claim his first Giro di Lombardia victory.
A small chase group of contenders, including Battista Giuntelli (Atala) and Ermanno Vallazza (Legnano), entered the velodrome to contested for a place on the podium. Giuntelli edged out Vallazza in a tight sprint to claim second place.
SPECIAL NOTE: After a grand win in the Giro d'Italia earlier in 1925, Binda capped a remarkably successful season in the “Race of the Falling Leaves”.
SPECIAL NOTE: * Costante Girardengo’s second place finish 6’45” behind, was nullified after officials found he had failed to sign the race control sheet in Grantola.
GdL November 4, 1925 |
251.4 Km, Milan-Milan (Sempione Velodrome) |
1.
Alfredo BINDA (Ita) 8h43'40" |
x2. Costante Girardengo +6'45" DQ’d * |
2.
Battista Giuntelli (Ita) +8'20" |
3.
Ermanno Vallazza (Ita) +10'30" |
Starters: 79 / Finishers: 46 Average Speed: 28.804 km/h |
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Lomb 1924
Lomb 1926
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