Five names stand out above all others on the eve of Il Lombardia U23 (Saturday, October 3rd), a race that promises to be spectacular and rich in technical content. The weight of the forecasts rests on athletes who have already made a great impression at the international level during the season.

The first candidate for victory is Brazilian Henrique Bravo of Soudal Quick-Step Devo, winner of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta, 3rd at the Giro d'Italia Next Gen, 5th at the Tour de L'Avenir, and protagonist of a season of the highest profile. Attention should also be paid to Frenchman Remi Arsac of Decathlon CMA-CGM Development Team, who managed to finish fifth in the Giro d'Italia Next Gen and has confirmed himself among the most interesting young riders in the European landscape. Among the most anticipated riders is also Danish Otto Schultz Jolving of Team ColoQuick, fresh from the excellent fourth place achieved at the Ruota d'Oro in Tuscany, a result that certifies his excellent form ahead of the Oggiono classic. Also worthy of serious consideration is Max Böck of Red Bull BORA-hansgrohe Rookies. The young German talent arrives at the start with important credentials after the third place achieved at the Giro della Valle d'Aosta, a result that rightfully places him among the possible protagonists of the race. Completing the quartet of favorites is French champion Thimothee Coudiere Cantin of Vendee U Primeo Energie, a complete and competitive athlete on every terrain, already capable of imposing himself this year in the national championship of his category.

THE ITALIANS CHALLENGE THE BIG NAMES: SCALCO, VESCO, BAMBAGIONI AND CATTANI ARE THE ITALIAN CARDS

On the Italian front, four names in particular will be called upon to challenge the foreign squad that lines up at the start of Il Lombardia U23. The spotlight is first and foremost on Matteo Scalco of XDS Astana Development Team, fresh from the excellent sixth place achieved at the recent Under 23 World Championship in Montreal, a result that confirms his international value. Great attention is also paid to Leonardo Vesco of Biesse Carrera Premac, author of a season of good level enhanced by the second place obtained at the prestigious Gran Premio di Capodarco. Among the main announced protagonists is also the tandem of Technipes Caffè Borbone, a team that fields two riders capable of making their mark. On one hand Tommaso Bambagioni, already winner of the Coppa Fiera di Mercatale, on the other Alessandro Cattani, another Italian who has just returned from Montreal where he represented Italy in both the time trial and the road race. Four athletes called upon to defend Italian colors in a race that promises to be of the highest technical and international profile, with the objective of stopping the foreign assault and inscribing their name in the honor roll of one of the most prestigious classics on the Under 23 calendar.

RACE INFO
Meeting and Stage Headquarters at 10:30 AM on via Papa Paolo VI in Oggiono
Unofficial start at 12:00 PM with 7 km controlled transfer from Oggiono to Barzago
Official start at 12:30 PM from Elettrosystem headquarters in Barzago
Finish on viale Vittoria in Oggiono at approximately 4:35 PM
Total distance 177 km

RECENT HONOR ROLL
2025 Thornley Callum (Gbr)
2024 Rolland Brieuc (Fra)
2023 Lecerf William Junior (Bel)
2022 Segaert Alec (Bel)
2021 Lapeira Paul (Fra)
2020 Sweeny Harry (Aus)
2019 Bagioli Andrea (Ita)
2018 Stannard Robert (Aus)
2017 Riabushenko Alexandr (Blr)
2016 Vanhoucke Harm (Bel)
2015 Masnada Fausto (Ita)
2014 Moscon Gianni (Ita)
2013 Villella Davide (Ita)
2012 Polanc Jan (Slo)