An iconic Lombardy image: the Italian champion in the shadow of the chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo. Giovanni Visconti (ISD-Neri) was aggressive on the climb but would pay for his efforts subsequently.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Tour of Lombardy runner-up Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) finishes alone, 12 seconds down on Gilbert.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Tour of Lombardy organisers RCS have released the list of teams that will contest the season-ending classic. The 18 WorldTour teams will be joined by seven wildcard squads at the race, which takes place on October 15.
As expected, Italian Pro Continental teams Acqua & Sapone, Androni Giocattoli, Colnago-CSF Inox and Farnese Vini-Neri Sottoli are among the invitees, along with Geox-TMC.
French squads Europcar and FDJ have also been invited, following strong performances from both teams on Italian roads in 2011. Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) won a stage of the Giro del Trentino in April, while Yoann Offredo (FDJ) impressed in the finale of the RCS-organised Milan-San Remo.
