Vincenzo Nibali used his aggression on the climbs of the Lombardy hills and his bike skills on the twisting descents overlooking Lake Como to win his second Il Lombardia, declaring that he felt stronger than in 2015 when he also attacked his rivals on the Civiglio climb and soloed to victory.
The Bahrain-Merida rider knew he had to pull off a similar tactic if he wanted to be sure of success in Il Lombardia. He could not wait for the easier final climb of San Fermo della Battaglia or an eventual sprint.
Known more as a Grand Tour contender and stage winner, Nibali's two wins here are his only major Classic victories, although he was on the podium in Milan-San Remo and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2012. This season, he won stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia in Bormio, and stage 3 of the Vuelta a España in Andorra, but celebrated far more exuberantly on Saturday in Como.
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"I've won races this season but I'd never raised my arms in celebrations. I really wanted to do it this time and that's why I enjoyed celebrating with the crowd," Nibali explained in the post-race press conference.
"My stage wins over the Stelvio at the Giro d'Italia and in Andorra at the Vuelta are special but winning a Monument Classic is even more special. It's a great way to end the season."
"I knew I could do something because I've felt good this week. I know the route and love Il Lombardia and so I was confident of getting a result. The hardest part was staying focused and on form after the Vuelta so that I'd be at my best for Il Lombardia."
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