Milan-Sanremo: Will Pogacar Triumph? Can Wiebes Repeat? Best 60km Yet?

The 2026 season reaches its first major peak on Saturday. The weekend hosts the 117th men’s Milan‑Sanremo and the eighth Milan‑Sanremo Donne.

Route and decisive sectors

The men will cover just under 300km, roughly 186 miles. The women race 156km, about 96 miles, and start in Genoa.

Both finishes are identical. The final 60km contains the race’s decisive moments.

Riders must navigate Capo Mele, Capo Cervo and Capo Berta early. The Cipressa then looms before the Poggio. The descent from the Poggio often decides the outcome.

Key questions and narratives

Milan‑Sanremo remains open to sprinters, climbers, puncheurs and rouleurs. That variety creates multiple tactical options.

Will Pogacar Triumph? That question shapes many tactics. Can Wiebes Repeat? That is the central theme on the women’s side.

Men’s title contenders

Mathieu van der Poel is the reigning champion. He carries strong sprint and punch capabilities on short climbs.

Tadej Pogacar is the Slovenian world champion. He finished third in the past two editions and will likely attack the Cipressa and Poggio.

Pogacar shocked rivals with a 78km solo at Strade Bianche. His teammates include Isaac del Toro, who won multiple Tirreno‑Adriatico classifications.

However, Pogacar lacks Tim Wellens and Jhonatan Narváez due to injury. Their absence reduces his on‑race support.

Other riders to watch include Tom Pidcock, who can attack on the Poggio. Wout van Aert, a former winner, remains an outside favourite despite mixed winter form.

Filippo Ganna finished second in 2025 and looks strong. Romain Grégoire and Mathias Vacek have shown early season promise. Young Matthew Brennan could surprise.

Women’s title contenders

Lorena Wiebes is the defending champion and the field’s top sprinter. She will have Lotte Kopecky to protect her on the climbs.

Climbers will try to make the Cipressa selective in the women’s race. Kasia Niewiadoma has seconds at Het Nieuwsblad and Strade Bianche this season.

Marianne Vos, Elisa Balsamo, Puck Pieterse and Cat Ferguson all pose threats. The route allows both long attacks and sprint finales.

Storylines, selectivity and spectacle

Historic moments have come from daring descents and late attacks. Matej Mohorič’s 2022 victory remains a vivid example.

Filmogaz.com writers expressed high anticipation. Jacob Whitehead scored an eight, Jessica Hopkins a nine, and Duncan Alexander a ten.

For many viewers, the final 60km delivers the best racing. Best 60km Yet? Fans will judge that after the Poggio descent.

• Men’s distance: just under 300km (186 miles).
• Women’s distance: 156km (96 miles), starting in Genoa.
• Decisive climbs: Cipressa and Poggio.
• Reigning champions: Mathieu van der Poel and Lorena Wiebes.

The weekend promises tactical complexity and dramatic finales. Expect attacks, counterattacks and a thrilling run into Sanremo.