The appointment with history has been postponed, as the injured Pogacar cannot surpass the record of victories held by Coppi, which he has already equaled, and Lombardia seeks a successor to the Slovenian, winner of the last five consecutive editions. The race will certainly be won by a worthy rider: it could not be otherwise after 239 kilometers with 4,600 meters of climbing, which awards the autumn world championship the well-deserved title of toughest classic alongside Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In the alternation between starts and finishes, this time the route runs from Bergamo to Como, with traditional climbs (Selvino, Berbenno, Ghisallo, Civiglio and the double San Fermo della Battaglia before the descent toward the lake) and an absolute novelty: the Giovenzana, three and a half kilometers with a 9 percent gradient and peaks of 16 percent, which about a hundred kilometers from the finish will serve as a watershed. Given that the last Italian joy was signed by Nibali nine years ago, here are the ten contenders who are bidding to replace Pogacar in the roll of honor.

Remco Evenepoel. He wins because the fresh European title is an extra motivation, because in the last two editions he has only surrendered to Pogacar, because he has an open account with this classic since his terrible crash six years ago. He doesn't win because even phenomenal riders have off days.

Giulio Ciccone. He wins because this is the classic he prefers, because he is the Italian who in recent years has stood on the podium at both Lombardia and Liège, because the frustration of missing out on the European Championship by three millimeters will give him extra drive. He doesn't win because collecting podium finishes is not a guarantee of success.

Paul Seixas. He wins because in the toughest classics he has shown he can be up front, because his class knows no limits, because after the World Championships he has conserved energy with this race in mind. He doesn't win because at twenty years old in the finale of such long races he goes strong but not very strong. 

Isaac Del Toro. He wins because in the absence of Pogacar he can do a very good job filling his shoes, because in the last month he has always been in the front line, because on his debut in this race a year ago he finished fifth. He doesn't win because on such long courses he still pays a price for fatigue in the finale.

Brandon McNulty. He wins because the rainbow jersey seems to have given him an extra gear, because he has no fear of the most severe courses, because racing with Adam Yates at his side is an advantage others don't have. He doesn't win because he is no longer a surprise and the competition is wide.

Davide Piganzoli. He wins because he is in an exhilarating moment of form, because beyond going fast he races with great tactical wisdom, because the tougher the course and the fewer rivals he finds. He doesn't win because he has Jorgenson in his team who is going very strong and the race could shape up well for him.

Tom Pidcock. He wins because he has come close to a great classic but hasn't quite nailed it yet, because he too did well immediately on his debut a year ago, because for a month now he has been going very strong. He doesn't win because in the finales of the toughest races he doesn't always have the killer instinct.

Quinn Simmons. He wins because in the last month he has never been outside the top five, because a year ago on his debut he stopped just short of the podium, because he is one of those who loves to play when the going gets tough. He doesn't win because tactical games could force him to help Ciccone.

Ben Healy. He wins because the toughest classics are the ones that inspire him, because a course like this is ideal for attackers, because sooner or later he will nail a great classic. He doesn't win because with his racing style he spends early the energy he needs for the finale. 

Oscar Onley. He wins because he is suited to the most difficult courses, because finishing on the podium at the Giro dell'Emilia is a good sign, because he has an entire team at his disposal. He doesn't win because at 23 years old his best performances have come in the grand tours without leaving his mark in one-day races.