This Saturday on October 7th the 117th edition Il Lombardia or the fifth and final Monument of the 2023 season was organized. The riders had to cover seven climbs totalling 4300 climbing meters during the 238 kilometer between Como and Bergamo.
Two days after his 37th birthday, Rui Costa managed to take thirteenth place at the end of a classic lasting for almost six hours. The Portuguese rider came in just over a minute behind the winner Tadej Pogacar in the second chase group which sprinted for ninth place.
This is the former world champion’s second-best result ever in this race, benefiting from his great form since the end of the Tour de France. The four time winner this season, including a stage victory in La Vuelta, already took fifth place in the Gran Piemonte two days ago.
"I had to do my utmost to secure this result, as I suffered from cramps on the descent of the Passo di Ganda, with around 30 kilometers to go. With the help of our Maurten drinks and Crampfix minerals, I managed to get over it and join the second group. I didn't have the legs anymore to ride a good sprint, but I can be satisfied with thirteenth place in such a prestigious race. I'm particularly grateful for what I've experienced with the Intermarché-Circus-Wanty family this season. I really enjoy working in this friendly environment, in which everyone is motivated to work for each other. It's thanks to this that I've been able to achieve personal career highs, such as my victory in the Vuelta. I'm happy to have offered the team some great results, and I hope to end this season in this way next week in the Japan Cup!"
