Vincenzo Nibali and Alejandro Valverde lined up together at the start of Il Lombardia and ended their careers together six hours later on the shores of Lake Como.

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and Enric Mas (Movistar) showed that the younger generation dominates the sport, but this year Il Lombardia was both a farewell and the final monument to the race.

Nibali and Valverde tried to fight for a final victory and a perfect farewell. However, Nibali was chased down by UAE Team Emirates on the Civiglio climb with 20km to go, and he crossed the finish line in 24th place, 2:17 behind. Valverde finished in sixth place, trailing by 1:24.

Nibali received the most cheers throughout the day, and the tifosi packed the streets along the way to catch a glimpse of "Lo Squalo di Messina. Nibali's family also came to the finish, witnessing the Italian love for the greatest Italian rider of all time.

Nibali tried to keep his composure, and although there were no tears of sadness or joy, he was clearly emotional.

"I will miss everything, but there is no going back.

Nibali and Valverde signed autographs for the last time in Bergamo, and the Sicilian Valverde stopped several times to take selfies and sign autographs.

The two then rode through the middle of the peloton and lined up with the lead group. Signs and cheers of support for Nibali echoed along the roadside.

"I enjoyed every kilometer from the start in Bergamo to the finish in Como," Nibali explained. Today was a special day. I was touched by the fans along the way."

Il Lombardia was Nibali's farewell ride, but he still wanted to race.

"I felt good, but you need to give 100% to win here.

"It was a fast and hard race. I suffered on the climb up Civiglio and paid the price for it. I couldn't have done any better, so I have no regrets."

"I'm not going to regret it.

Nibali said in a special farewell interview with Cycling News that he is already working on post-career plans. He will serve as a key ambassador for a new team being formed by former Dimension Data director Doug Ryder and the owners of clothing brand q36.5.

He may be racing professionally for the last time, but cycling will remain a part of his life.

"I'm an ex-rider starting tomorrow, but cycling will always be part of my life. I won't be riding on Sundays, but I'm sure I'll be riding as a former pro soon. I'm looking forward to the rest of my life.

Valverde raised his hand when he finished sixth in Il Lombardia. As he crossed the finish line, Enric Mas gave Valverde a long hug and spoke privately in his ear.

The two men probably wanted to win on a special day for the Movistar team, and Mas admitted that second place would not have counteracted Valverde's grief over the end of his career.

Valverde was much happier despite the end of his career; in 2022, Valverde was on the Movistar team and his experience, often seen in the Netflix documentary series Least Expected Day, and He would take on a yet-to-be-defined management role, sharing his determination.

"I'm not sad." I feel "Alegria," Valverde said seconds after crossing the finish line in Como.

"I am happy to have completed 21 years as a professional and enjoy great things," he said proudly with a smile.

"Now I have to give way to the younger guys, and I hope they too will make this sport great.

"I look forward to the future. I am sad to be leaving at this great level and happy for the tremendous job the team did today and for being able to fight for victory.

"I want to thank all my teammates and congratulate Pogacar and Enric Mas. Today I drove "a-tope", that is, full throttle and hard. It was a good way to end the race."