The Italian produced a strong performance in the last Monument of the season
Giulio Ciccone rounded off his time with Lidl-Trek on the podium at Il Lombardia, securing third place in the final Monument of the season after a hard-fought 239km race from Bergamo to Como.
The Italian was among the strongest riders on the decisive climbs, ultimately finishing behind race winner Paul Seixas and runner-up Enric Mas to claim a second career podium at Il Lombardia.
Lidl-Trek made its presence felt throughout the day, with Julien Bernard representing the team in the early breakaway. The Frenchman helped ensure the team had representation up the road as the peloton tackled the demanding course, which featured more than 4,600 metres of climbing.
Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images
As the race entered its decisive phase, Quinn Simmons also went on the offensive, looking to disrupt the chase and create opportunities for his teammates. The American’s aggressive approach provided another important option for Lidl-Trek as the pace increased and the race began to split apart.
Ciccone remained in contention among the leading riders over the final climbs, fighting for a place on the podium in front of the Italian tifosi. His third-place finish provided a fitting result in his final appearance in Lidl-Trek colours, bringing an eight-season chapter with the team to a close.
It was a really hard race. I was really suffering on the second last climb. I tried to find my pace and the final was really long for me as I was alone without info and it was really hard. But I can be happy about the result and the way I finished this season, it is something to be proud of. It is the second time I am on the podium at Lombardia and my third podium in a Monument. It would be better first place, but I think I had the best result with this feeling so I can be happy.
Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images
Il Lombardia also marked the final race for Bauke Mollema. The Dutchman, who famously won the Monument in 2019 with a memorable solo attack, brought an illustrious career spanning almost two decades to an end in Como.
A respected teammate and one of the team’s most experienced riders, Mollema leaves behind a lasting legacy, with his Lombardia victory among the defining moments of his life in cycling.
As the curtain starts to fall on the 2026 season, Ciccone’s podium and Mollema’s farewell provides a memorable conclusion to the Monuments for Lidl-Trek.
