Milan-Sanremo Race: Expert Preview and Insights

The Milan-Sanremo course rewards skill, tactics and timely luck. The 117th edition arrives after notable changes to the race script.

Our Milan-Sanremo Race: Expert Preview and Insights examines how recent Cipressa moves altered tactics. Riders and teams now face new decisions on when to attack or wait.

Course overview

The route crosses the Pianura Padana. Riders cover 125km through plains and rice fields before reaching Ovada.

The Turchino pass follows the plains. Its average gradient is about 1.5 percent and a railway runs alongside much of it.

The descent off Turchino is shorter and steeper. It has many hairpins and a more technical profile than the climb.

The capi, Cipressa and Poggio

There are three coastal capes. Capo Berta is the hardest, with over a kilometre at 7–8 percent.

The Cipressa comes after roughly 261km of racing. Officially 4.1 percent over 5.6km, it contains nearly 4km above 5 percent and sections at 6–7 percent.

After the Cipressa riders ride nine kilometres on the Via Aurelia. The Poggio follows and features a crucial steep section about two thirds up.

The descent into Sanremo demands precision. There are 2.2km from the final ramp to the finish line.

Principal contenders

• Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck). He won in 2023 and 2025. He beat Tadej Pogačar last year by tracking attacks and winning the sprint.
• Tadej Pogačar (UAE). He attacked on the Cipressa in consecutive editions. Positioning has been an issue for him entering that climb.
• Jasper Philipsen. He won between Van der Poel’s victories and claimed Nokere Koerse this week. His program aims to add versatility to his top speed.
• Isaac Del Toro. The Mexican won Tirreno-Adriatico this season. He can play a support and marking role for Pogačar’s team.
• Filippo Ganna (Ineos). Twice runner-up here, he has huge power. The Cipressa tests his climbing limit, so a late street attack could suit him.
• Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5). He won Milano-Torino on the Superga recently. He nearly won Milano-Sanremo two years ago and can sprint from a small group.
• Other names to watch. Axel Laurance, Ben Turner, Wout van Aert, Christophe Laporte and Matteo Jorgenson are among potential options. Several have role or form caveats.
• Dark horses. Mads Pedersen returns from a broken wrist. Paul Magnier can deliver a long sprint. Romain Grégoire showed promise last year on the Cipressa.

Tactics and likely scenarios

Solo moves from the Cipressa remain a threat. Pogačar could try again, but a solo ride must survive 18km plus the Poggio.

A headwind in the final 50km would favour a chasing group. The forecast shows a switch from a light NE tailwind to a SW headwind along the coast.

Positioning into the Cipressa and Poggio is decisive. Albenga, at 65km to go, marks the place where positioning turns into full combat.

Weather and timing

Race start temperature in Pavia is forecast near 5°C. Coastal temperatures should rise to around 17°C later in the day.

The start is listed at 10.10am CET, with an expected finish around 4.55pm CET. The timing of the wind change remains uncertain.

Broadcast and viewing

Live coverage is available on RAI. The broadcast shifts from RAI Sport to RAI2 at 2.00pm CET.

International feeds include Eurosport, Flobikes and SBS. VPN viewers may use RAI or SBS options.

Women’s race

The women’s finish is scheduled for 2.30pm CET. Lorena Wiebes won last year and arrives as the obvious favourite in sprints.

Teams may attack on the Cipressa to try and unsettle her. The women’s race adds an extra highlight to the spring weekend.

For further analysis and live updates, visit Filmogaz.com. Tune in early to monitor early breakaway action and team tactics.