| Neo-Pro Solo!
The 31st edition of the Giro di Lombardia was held on October 20, 1935.
The race began with a departure from Milan through a “neutral zone” on the city streets. The peloton rolled out intact before the official start outside the urban area. The opening 40 kms across the flat and rolling plains of north Lombardia kept the peloton together.
The early pace was dictated by the power teams of favorites who set a steady tempo to conserve energy for the hilly challenges ahead.
Race Status:
Before the Ghisallo the ascent of the tough Mount Guello (70 km / 238 km), 22-year-old neo-pro Enrico Mollo (Gloria) made a suicide attack. He quickly distanced the elites of the race and gradually extended his lead.
The first major climb was the ascent of the Madonna del Ghisallo (75 km / 238 km), which marked the first test of the race. A solo Mollo continued to extend the lead.
After the mid-race Marchirolo climb (160 km / 238 km), the descent into Grantola showed Mollo’s fatigue began to hit his pace but not his effort. He maintained a commanding lead of more than 8’00” over his nearest challengers.
The Brinzio climb (180 km / 238 km), situated late in race, served as the decisive challenge for the tiring peloton. The solo Mollo crested the summit and still held a 5'30" gap over the main group.
Gino Bartali’s Fréjus team mounted a determined pursuit and closed the gap in the latter stages of the race.
Mollo persisted through the fatigue and hit the flat roads leading to Milan serious gap. The chaser, with kms running out, started preparing for their final podium sprint.
Mollo soloed onto the finish area at the Civic Arena in Milan and claimed a stunning victory after an epic 176 kilometers solo effort.
The pursuers arrived at the finish to contest a frantic sprint. Aldo Bini of (Maino) edging out young and budding Italian superstar Gino Bartali (Frejus) and Giuseppe Olmo (Bianchi) for second place.
GdL October 20, 1935 |
238 Km, Milan-Milan |
1. Enrico MOLLO (Ita) 7h22'16" |
2. Aldo Bini (Ita) +4'53" |
3. Gino Bartali (Ita) |
Starters: 64 / Finishers: 32 Average Speed: 32.288 km/h |
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Lomb 1934
Lomb 1936
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