Milan-Sanremo

Introduction to the most important spring race

Milan-Sanremo is known as La Primavera (The Spring Race) and traditionally opens the Monument Classics season. At over 290 kilometers, it is the longest one-day race in professional cycling and presents riders with unique challenges. The route leads from the Lombard metropolis of Milan through the Ligurian coastal landscape to the Riviera city of Sanremo.

History and Tradition

The beginnings since 1907

The race was first held on April 14, 1907, and has developed into one of the most prestigious one-day races worldwide. The first winner was Lucien Petit-Breton from France. Since then, Milan-Sanremo has become a permanent fixture in the cycling calendar.

The significance in the cycling calendar

As the first Monument of the year, Milan-Sanremo has special significance for riders' form curve. A victory at La Primavera can shape the entire season and is considered an important indicator for the classics season.

Route profile and key points

The race course over 290 kilometers

The route starts in Milan and initially leads relatively flat through the Po Valley. After about 150 kilometers, the peloton reaches the Ligurian coast near Genoa. The decisive kilometers begin about 30 kilometers before the finish.

The three legendary Capi

The decisive Cipressa climb

The Cipressa is located 25 kilometers before the finish and is 5.6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 4.1%. Here begins the first major selection of the race. Strong teams try to increase the pace and drop potential sprinters.

The mythical Poggio di Sanremo

The Poggio is the last and decisive climb, only 5.5 kilometers before the finish. At 3.7 kilometers long with an average gradient of 3.7%, it doesn't seem particularly difficult, but after almost 290 kilometers in the saddle, it becomes the final test.

Tactical characteristics

The three race scenarios

Team tactics and positioning

Team tactics are crucial: sprint teams must get their captains through the climbs, while classics specialists try to attack on the Poggio. Positioning before the Cipressa often decides victory or defeat.

Legendary winners and records

The most successful riders

Eddy Merckx holds the record at Milan-Sanremo with seven victories (1966-1976). Other multiple winners include:

• Erik Zabel (Germany): 4 victories (1997, 1998, 2000, 2001)
• Oscar Freire (Spain): 3 victories (2004, 2007, 2010)
• Costante Girardengo (Italy): 6 victories (1918, 1921-1923, 1925-1926)
• Fausto Coppi (Italy): 3 victories (1946, 1948, 1949)

Special records

• Fastest average speed: 47.42 km/h (Vincenzo Nibali, 2018)
• Largest lead: 14:20 minutes (Costante Girardengo, 1918)
• Youngest winner: Fausto Coppi at 26 years (1946)
• Oldest winner: Alessandro Petacchi at 39 years (2013)

Modern developments

The role of the Poggio descent

In recent years, the Poggio descent has gained increasing importance. Bold riders use their technical skills to gain an advantage in the rapid descent that can be defended until Via Roma.

Influence of new technologies

Modern aerodynamics, lighter wheels, and improved braking systems have changed the race. Average speeds have continuously increased, which has intensified the tactical challenges.

Training and preparation

Physical requirements

The extraordinary length of Milan-Sanremo requires special preparation:

1. Base endurance training: Long rides of 200+ kilometers
2. Intensity training: Repeated short climbs
3. Sprint training: Maximum sprint power after long exertion
4. Descent technique: Training of technical skills

Nutrition strategy during the race

With over 5 hours of race duration, proper nutrition is crucial:

• Carbohydrate intake: 80-90g per hour
• Fluid intake: 600-800ml per hour
• Electrolytes: Continuous supply important
• Caffeine: Strategic use before the finale

Weather conditions and their effects

The unpredictable Primavera

As a spring race, Milan-Sanremo can be characterized by extreme weather conditions:

Historic weather dramas

In 2013, the route had to be rerouted due to snow on the Passo del Turchino. In 2020, the race was postponed from March to August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating completely different conditions.

The significance for different rider types

Sprinters with climbing qualities

For pure sprinters, Milan-Sanremo is one of the few chances to win a Monument Classic. However, they must be able to stay with the group over the Cipressa and Poggio.

Successful sprinter winners:

• Mark Cavendish (2009)
• Mario Cipollini (2002)
• Erik Zabel (1997, 1998, 2000, 2001)

Classics specialists

All-rounders with good sprint qualities are particularly successful at Milan-Sanremo. They can attack on the Poggio and keep up in the sprint.

Successful classics riders:

• Peter Sagan (2016, 2017)
• Fabian Cancellara (2008)
• Tom Boonen (2006)

Future perspectives

Possible route changes

The organizers regularly experiment with slight route modifications to make the race more attractive. Under discussion are:

• Extension of the Cipressa climb
• Alternative climbs before the finale
• Various finish locations in Sanremo

Preservation of tradition

Despite all modernization, Milan-Sanremo remains true to its character: An ultra-long one-day race that combines endurance, tactics, and sprint power.

Last update: November 12, 2025