Egan Bernal (Team Ineos), who finished third in Il Lombardia and stood on the podium, was disappointed, but his first result in the Monument Classic, a few months after his Tour de France win, was to cap off a great 2019 season, He insisted that he deserves congratulations.

"Third place at Il Lombardia is a success for me. I didn't expect to be on the podium this morning," Bernal said. [because] we had a good race as a team. Everyone believed in me and rode for me. I didn't win, but I have to be satisfied."

Bernal's talent is immense, but this is only his third time riding in a major classic. He has only ridden Il Lombardia, but as with all aspects of professional racing, he seems to be a quick learner. Like the other leading riders, he probably regrets that Mollema missed out on gaining time on the climb up Civiglio. He jumped into the descent to Como. Despite being 22 years old, Bernal was not afraid to challenge Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) in the sprint for second place. Lombardia is a big one-day classic," he said. It's much more unpredictable than the Grand Tour, and things happen that you can't win," he noted. I tried to beat Valverde, but he beat me. I tried to beat Valverde, but he beat me. Morema was the strongest, attacked at the right time, and just got away with it. He deserved the win." Instead of ending the season early, Bernal opted to participate in the end-of-season Classics program. He didn't want to be out of shape and didn't want to be distracted by the Tour de France festivities. Whether it is a sign of his talent or a result of his success in 2019, Bernal is already looking ahead to 2020.

"I need to switch off, relax, and recover so I can have the motivation to have another good season in 2020.

"I'm going to enjoy my vacation, spend time at home with my family, and then think about next season. I am still hungry and I want to do well next season."