Ahead of the final race of his career, the Dutch rider reflects on almost two decades in the peloton
It is 2019 and there are 18.5-kilometers to go in Il Lombardia. Bauke Mollema has attacked on the Civiglio climb, and his gap to the chasers behind is increasing. The Dutch rider is finessing the curves and switchbacks on the steep descent down into Como, as the Italian city glistens in golden autumnal light. Mollema locks in and time-trials towards the finish line. With one kilometer to go, he chances a look over his shoulder and sees what he hopes: no one is behind him. This is it, he knows. A Monument victory, taken in swashbuckling style. He celebrates with his parents and they bask in warm, electric elation. It doesn’t get much better.
Seven years later, Mollema still remembers that feeling with precision: “That is still my biggest win, the highlight of my career. I love this race,” he grins.
“It’s so demanding, one of the hardest with the most meters of climbing. Plus I love Italy with the enthusiastic fans and the way that you always have to expect the unexpected. Anything can happen in Italy.”
Mollema wins Il Lombardia 2019 (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
That 2019 victory was perhaps when Mollema’s love-affair with Il Lombardia reached peak romance, but the Dutchman had become a near-permanent fixture in ‘The Race of the Falling Leaves’ long before that, first taking part in 2008. The 2026 edition on Saturday will be Mollema’s 18th Lombardia, giving him the record for the most participations in cycling history.
This year’s race will also serve as the fitting final page of Mollema’s illustrious career. With two Tour de France stage wins, plus a victory at Clásica San Sebastián and countless general classification top-10 finishes, the Dutch rider has firmly etched his name into cycling legend. It is not just Mollema’s results which ensure he is remembered, but also his brave, attacking race style – his last dance in Italy will see the 39-year-old wave goodbye to a sport which he has given so much to.
“I really wanted to stop here in Lombardia. It was always in my mind that it would be my last race, so I’m grateful to the team that I can say goodbye here at a race that means so much to me,” he comments.
It will be special to finish in Como too, because that’s where I won. It’s been a long journey to get here, but I’ve made so many friends and had so many good moments in my career.
Mollema will ride a special-edition Trek bike to celebrate his last participation at Il Lombardia this year (Photo by Chris Auld)
While he will miss the people who have become his family on the road after over ten years as part of the Lidl-Trek organisation, Mollema is at peace with his choice to retire. He is ready for a new chapter.
“I will not miss the suffering anymore!” he laughs. “In the last few years you’ve had to suffer more and more to be on a good level in the races so I will be happy not to have to train everyday. I will still ride my bike and do some other sports as well, having the freedom to do that will be nice.”
If there is one thing that Mollema says he has learned from being a professional athlete for over two decades, it is that moments like his Il Lombardia win are something to cherish dearly. Bike racing is often tough and brutal, but it can also create a magic that lasts long beyond the finish line.
“I see a lot of young guys now who are so focused, and I think they need to remember to really enjoy it. Those good moments and a good result, enjoy it for a little bit longer. Don’t be scared to take time off, recharge the batteries, don’t just keep going with the blinkers on. Like that, you can have a long career,” he says.
And, once the last race numbers are taken off his skinsuit, what will come next for Il Lombardia’s aficionado? Mollema doesn’t quite know yet, but after a lifetime of training plans and race calendars, that’s exactly how he wants it to be.
“I just want to take it easy, be with my family,” he explains. “I will stay fit and always ride my bike because I love that feeling of being outside. Maybe it will just be short rides and coffee rides with friends. I want to enjoy life.”
