By inverting the start and finish cities order, as has been happening for five years (and with less regularity for over a decade), the result doesn't change: the Lombardy remains the toughest classic of the year, even more than Liège because here you arrive with a less full energy tank compared to spring. This year we go from Como to Bergamo, the kilometers are still many (241), the elevation gain too (4400 meters), with a beautiful sequence of climbs: Ghisallo, Roncola, Berbenno, Crocetta, Zambla Alta and finally Ganda pass before the spectacular finale in Città Alta. If the last of our riders to win, Nibali, succeeded only on Lake Como on two occasions (2015 and 2017), Pogacar doesn't care about alternation: whether you arrive from one side or the other, for four years in a row he has been dictating the law. The fifth victory would project the Slovenian world champion into legend, because he would equal Coppi while doing even better, because a quintet in as many seasons in this great classic has never been seen. Here are the ten faces (one plus nine, actually) that are candidates as protagonists.

Tadej Pogacar. He wins because the harder the races are, the more he makes the difference, because this year in the classics when he hasn't won he has been on the podium, because no one seems able to stop him. He doesn't win because sometimes he makes mistakes and because bad luck sometimes sees perfectly well.

Remco Evenepoel. He wins because he loves the toughest classics, because a year ago he already breathed the podium air, because whoever wins Liège has everything to repeat in the so-called autumn world championship. He doesn't win because when Pogacar is in the race, he has to race for second place.

Tom Pidcock. He wins because he's having an excellent end of season, because he has improved a lot in the classics, because sooner or later he manages to achieve a great result. He doesn't win because compared to the current phenomena, he's still missing a hundredth to reach the euro.

Isaac Del Toro. He wins because he's going through a moment of grace, because if you win 15 races in a season at 21 you're not just a promise, because if Pogacar should have troubles he's absolutely ready. He doesn't win because his enormous talent must be put at Pogacar's disposal.

Ben Healy. He wins because by fighting hard sooner or later he'll hit the target, because he doesn't arrive at the end of the season with an empty tank, because he has learned not to waste energy when it's not necessary. He doesn't win because he fades at the distance and his teammate Carapaz might have more cards.

Mattias Skjelmose. He wins because in the last month he has always been in the front line, because he has the qualities to have his say on tough routes, because he's among the very few who managed to beat Pogacar this season. He doesn't win because fate often puts a spoke in his wheel.

Primoz Roglic. He wins because in this classic he has always been improving, because in the last month he has returned to a high level, because he's among those who have squeezed themselves less this season. He doesn't win because 36 years are felt in front of the current best youth.

Paul Seixas. He wins because in the last month he has always been a protagonist, because the podium at the Europeans behind the giants has galvanized him, because at 19 he is in a hurry to show his talent in a big race. He doesn't win because he has never raced a classic and this is the most severe exam.

Christian Scaroni. He wins because for an entire season he has been racing at the front, because he's someone who gives everything before surrendering, because after fourth place at the European Championship he wants to give himself a prestigious result. He doesn't win because he has never had a great feeling with the Lombardy.

Julian Alaphilippe. He wins because he is closing the season better than he started it, because with someone who has won two world championships you'd better not trust, because he's one who knows the way to the podium. He doesn't win because compared to the new generation he seems to have something less.