If Julian Alaphilippe were to win Il Lombardia, it would mark a significant moment in his career and add another impressive achievement to his already decorated resume. Although Alaphilippe has yet to win Il Lombardia, one of cycling’s five Monuments, a victory would allow him to join an elite group of riders who have triumphed across various major one-day races, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s modern greats.
Winning Il Lombardia would also set Alaphilippe apart as one of the few riders to claim victories in both the UCI Road World Championships and one of the sport’s most prestigious Monuments. This combination is rare, and while Alaphilippe has already made history by winning back-to-back world titles in 2020 and 2021, an Il Lombardia win would underscore his versatility and ability to perform across different terrains and race formats. Il Lombardia’s hilly and often unpredictable nature would play to his strengths as an explosive climber and aggressive rider, further adding to his reputation as one of cycling’s top talents.
A win in this race could also help him surpass personal milestones, given that he’s already won prestigious one-day events like La Flèche Wallonne and Milan-San Remo. Adding another Monument to his palmarès would place him in the conversation for one of the best one-day riders of his generation.
However, even if he doesn’t win, Alaphilippe’s legacy is secure. His charismatic racing style and numerous victories have already left a lasting impact on the sport. Still, a win at Il Lombardia would undeniably be a historic moment, perhaps signaling a resurgence after a challenging couple of seasons marred by injuries and setbacks. It would also be a fitting farewell to his time at Soudal Quick-Step.
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