| Binda Repeats the Lombardia Victory
The 22nd edition of the Giro di Lombardia was held on October 31, 1926.
The race rolled out from central Milan near the Palazzo della Ragione (through 10 km neutral zone) with the official start under the Cavalcavia di Gorla overpass (Milan’s ‘Little Paris’ section).
The weather that greeted the riders for Lombardia 1926 was miserable. In the heavy rain and cold temperature, talented 24-year-old Alfredo Binda broke away solo early in the race.
Race Status:
The Peloton rode steadily on the initial flat and rolling sections toward Monza and caught Binda. They stayed compact for the first thirty kilometers through Cernusco sul Naviglio.
As the race entered the outskirts of Bergamo (45 km into the race / 251 km), minor attacks by non-contenders were quickly reeled in by Legnano-Pirelli.
Into Lecco (80 km / 251 km), in the apocalyptic weather riders began to abandon the race.
Near Canzo (105 km / 251 km), Ottavio Bottecchia (Automoto), Alfredo Binda (Legnano), Ermanno Vallazza (Legnano), and Domenico Piemontesi (Alcyon) positioned themselves at the front pack.
The approach to the Madonna del Ghisallo climb (116 km / 251 km), Binda launched a decisive solo attack. Vallazza and Bottecchia chased the move.
Over the summit Binda, after winning the “KoM preme,” did not ease the pace. Through cold temperatures and heavy rain, he rode away and built a substantial lead.
A strong chase group formed behind, but Binda's relentless pace widened the gap. It stood at 6’00” in Como, expanding to 10’00” at the Grantola checkpoint, and 18’00” at Brinzio.
As the roads flooded crashes and punctures slowed the chase groups.
Alfredo Binda maintained his solo effort all the way to the finish at the Sempione Velodrome in Milan. He rode the final 158 kms solo and left little doubt who was the strongest rider. At the finish in Milan Binda crossed the finish line 29’40” in front of second place Antonio Negrini (Wolsit - Pirelli).
Alfredo Binda recorded his second consecutive victory in the “Race of the Falling Leaves.”
SPECIAL NOTE: In post-race interviews, Binda credited his Legnano team's support for enabling his bold breakaway from the Ghisallo climb, which he held for over 170 km.
SPECIAL NOTE: Binda after the race recounted the physical toll on his body, he revealed that he consumed 28 raw eggs (?) during the race to maintain energy in adverse weather.
GdL October 31, 1926 |
251 Km, Milan-Milan (Sempione Velodrome) |
1.
Alfredo BINDA (Ita) 9h52'32" |
2.
Antonio Negrini (Ita) +29'40" |
3.
Ermanno Vallazza (Ita) +29'40" |
Starters: 69 / Finishers: 24 Average Speed: 25.416 km/h |
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Lomb 1925
Lomb 1927
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