Milan-San Remo may be known as the sprinters’ classic, but at 298 kilometres long and crossing no less than seven recognised climbs, there is never any certainty that a sprinter will win it.
Join me for live blogging of Milan-San Remo. Limited coverage begins at 10pm, with full coverage beginning at midnight.
The world’s elite riders have been fighting for honours in this prestigious race since 1907. Classified as one of cycling’s ‘monuments’, the race has undergone several changes since Lucien Petit-Breton raised his arms in victory as he crossed the finish line of the race’s first edition.
The main changes have been the periodic introduction of new climbs.
The Turchino Pass comes half way through and is the oldest, longest and highest of the iconic climbs that punctuate the modern race. It has little influence on the race due to its summit still being 156 kilometres from the finish.
Next comes Le Manie, which rises 300 metres in five kilometres. Introduced in 2008 as an added obstacle to the sprinters, it comes at the 204 kilometre mark and was where Mark Cavendish lost contact with the leaders last year.
The punchy ramps known as ‘I Tre Capi’ (the three hills – Capo Merle, Capo Cervo and Capo Berta) occur between the 245 and 258 kilometre mark and although not large, they can certainly take the sting out of an unsuspecting rider’s legs.
Next comes the Cipressa. Added in 1982, it rises 235 metres in five kilometres. Good positioning over this second last climb, which is just 23 kilometres from the finish, is vital for the run into the race defining Poggio.
The Poggio, the dreaded last climb which appears just ten kilometres before the finish, wasn’t introduced until 1960. Its twisting, looping road winds its way upward at an average gradient of 3.7 percent over four kilometres.
This is where Vincezo Nibali launched his attack last year, taking eventual victor Simon Gerrans and Fabian Cancellara with him and it is the most likely place for late attacks again this year.
With six former winners and a serious array of the world’s best sprinters and classics riders appearing on the start list, it will be an event worth watching.
Peter Sagan will go in as one of the outright favourites, but he will face stiff opposition from the BMC trio of Philippe Gilbert, Thor Hushovd and Taylor Phinney.
Omega Pharma-Quickstep with Cavendish and Tom Boonen will be dangerous, while Cancellara, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Juan Antonio Flecha and Orica-GreenEDGE’s Australians Simon Gerrans and Matt Goss are not without their chances.
Sean Lee
Expert
Well, after a couple of false starts we finally got this race finished. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I have. 4 am here and I have to get my kids up for school in about 3 hours time, so I'm off to bed. Well done Gerald Ciolek and MTH-Qhubeka. Good night!
Sean Lee
Expert
Brilliant ride from Ciolek. The look on Sagan's face as he crossed the line said it all - disbelief! Cancellara makes the podium again, but still no win. Great ride by Phinney as well who came from nowhere to bridge across in the last 50 metres and record the same time as the six leaders.
Sean Lee
Expert
1-Ciolek 2-Sagan 3-Cancellara 4-Chavanel 5-Paolini 6-Stannard 7-Phinney 8-Kristoff 9-Cavendish 10-Eisle
Sean Lee
Expert
Gerald Ciolek for MTN Qhubeka managed to just come over the top of Sagan. Sagan is second and Cancellara thrid.
Sean Lee
Expert
1 km to go. The six are all together. Watching, watching, 700m to go. Sagan goes..Sagan and Ciolek...Ciolek by a bees proverbial. Ciolek is the winner.
Sean Lee
Expert
2.2 kms to go - Sagan attacks but it is closed down. Stannard doing a slow motion attack but still gets a break.
Sean Lee
Expert
Chavanel, Stannard, Sagan, Cancellara, Ciolek and Paolini now in a select group off the front of the peloton which is not far behind. Cavendish is still in the main group as well.
Sean Lee
Expert
Chavanel and Stannard still lead, but Sagan is closing the gap. Winding descent. Cancellara is with Sagan and Chiolek too.
Sean Lee
Expert
AND WE ARE ON THE DESCENT! Not far now.
Sean Lee
Expert
Luca Paolini has attacked, Sagan, Cancellara and Pozatto follow. Still Chavanel and Stannard lead the race. 6.2 kms to go.
Sean Lee
Expert
Chavanel and Stannard actually hold a 30 second lead over Sagan and the main group. 6.9 kms to go.
Sean Lee
Expert
Cannondale mounting a chase. Have they left it too late? Moser and Sagan working hard. But Stannard and Chavanel hold the lead by 13 seconds approaching the top of the climb.
Sean Lee
Expert
Iginsky(Astana) trying to bridge across to the leaders. Almost caught up to Vorganov. Chavanel still pushing hard, Stannard having to work hard.
Sean Lee
Expert
Vorganov in trouble as Stannard and Chavanel turn the screws out the front.
Sean Lee
Expert
Gilbert is now at the back of the chasing group. Stannard, Chavanel and Vorganov hold a 27 second lead as they climb the Poggio. Chavanel looking strong.
Lee Rodgers
Expert
wow1 exciting finish being set up!
Sean Lee
Expert
The leading three turn onto the Poggio.
Sean Lee
Expert
13 kilometres to go and Stannard, Chavanel and Vorganov lead by 20 seconds as we approach the Poggio. Cavendish is stil with the main group.
Sean Lee
Expert
Nice little lead by Stannard, Chavanel and Vorganov. Gilbert trying to enlist help to chase.
Sean Lee
Expert
Stannard, Chavanel and the Russian Vorganov are in a leading group of three riders. Gilbert chasing. Then the rest.