Mario Ricci Wins Again
The 39th edition of the Giro di Lombardia was held on October 21, 1945.
SPECIAL NOTE: The end of World War 2 in May of 1945 left Italy with widespread devastation. Across Italy over 70% of the roads had been damaged by the military combat. The damage presented significant challenges for repair to the public infrastructure, most significantly the roadways. Daily lifestyle and economic recovery were underway, but the national healing effort needed a huge boost.
The Giro di Lombardia contributed significantly to the effort of returning Italy to normalcy. The Italian ‘tifosi’ welcomed the return with open arms!!!
The race rolled off from central Milan and proceeded through a ‘neutralized zone’ on the crowded streets of Milan, before proceeding to the northwest toward the northern Lombardia hills.
When the starter’s flag dropped an aggressive opening pace generated an early escape. Vito Ortelli (Benotto) with Primo Zuccotti (Isolati) and Serafino Biagioni (Isolati) broke away from the peloton.
Race Status:
In Valcuvia (80 km / 222 km), the last solo rider, Ortelli, was caught by the peloton.
Giuseppe Magni (U.S. Azzini) attacked and rode over the summit of the Brinzio climb (92 km / 222 km), alone.
In Como (132 km / 222 km), after a hard effort Bruno Pasquini (A.C. Montecatini) joined the breakaway.
Pasquini's pace dropped Magni, he reached Erba (154 km / 222 km), solo with a 1’16” lead on Magni and 1’50” on the elite chasing group.
Approaching the Madonna del Ghisallo climb (154 km / 222 km), Mario Ricci (Legnano) attacked early on the ascent, bridging up to the solo leader Pasquini. Ricci proceeded to drop a fatigued Pasquini and continued alone.
The Madonna del Ghisallo climb (162 km / 222 km), positioned on the route as the race's pivotal section, gave the race a final selection.
The solo Ricci reached Bellagio with a 2’30” lead over Ubaldo Pugnaloni (Bianchi) and Michele Motta (Isolati).
Over the final 50 kms, an elite chase group of seven riders formed with Gino Bartali (Legnano) and Aldo Bini (Bianchi) controlling the pace. Despite the group’s shared hard effort, the gap failed to come down.
Lombardia champion in 1941 Marco Ricci (Legnano) rode solo into Milan and crossed the finish line at the historic Vigorelli Velodrome to claim a 6’23” victory
Defending champion Aldo Bini (Bianchi) finished in second place and Gino Bartali (Legnano) third.
GdL October 21, 1945 |
222 Km, Milan-Milan (Vigorelli Velodrome) |
1.
Mario RICCI (Ita) 6h08'11" |
2.
Aldo Bini (Ita) +6'23" |
3.
Gino Bartali (Ita) |
Starters: 137 / Finishers: 41 Average Speed: 36.177 km/h |
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Lomb 1942 No Race 1943 and 1944 Lomb 1946
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