Team Emirates’ Martin aims to emulate 2014 feat in Italy

The fifth and final ‘monument’ of the season, II Lombardia, is finally upon the riders of UAE Team Emirates and a squad of seven head to Italy to take on the iconic 243km race from Bergamo to Como on Oct.12.

Known as the ‘Race of the Falling Leaves’, due to its autumnal placing on the calendar, Il Lombaria is considered as one of the toughest one-day challenges on the WorldTour.

Winning this spectacular race, which skirts the shores of lake Como etches a rider’s name in the history books – as UAE Team Emirates’ Dan Martin can attest to after he took the victory in 2014.

This year he will ride alongside Diego Ulissi and Rui Costa – who are both in great form – providing a triple threat for the Emirati formation.

Costa, who finished third in 2014 behind Martin said: “After a very tough World Championship, I’m now gearing up for what will be a very tough and challenging race in Lombardy.

“This route isn’t exactly suited to my characteristics, but I’ll try and play my cards smartly and put in a good performance.”

Elsewhere, UAE Team Emirates mixes youth and experience in a five-man squad that will rally behind the emerging Portuguese talent Rui Oliveria, as they take on the 217km flat route from Chartres on the outskirts of Paris to the cathedral city.

Tours, which dates back to 1896, is one of the oldest cycling races on the UCI WorldTour.

The modern day version, which is considered the final sprinter’s classic of the season, will take place on Sunday.

A team of Rouleurs including Tom Bohli (Switzerland), Vegard Stake Laengen (Norway) and Rory Sutherland (Australia), along with new signing Nicolas Dalla Valle (Italy) will support Oliveira and be guided by Swiss Sports Director, Simone Pedrazzini.

Oliveria said: “This is the final hurdle this season in what has been my first year with UAE Team Emirates. As always, I’d love to be competitive and take advantage of my condition which is good at the moment, and Paris Tours is a course that suits my characteristics.

“This season I learned a lot, every race was an opportunity to improve and learn something new from my team-mates and the staff”.