LIVESTREAM: 2017 Milan-San Remo Preview
The 108th edition of Milan-San Remo is the first Monument and the longest one day race on the professional calendar at 291 kms or 180 miles
‘La Primavera’, marks the real start of Classics season. often viewed as a sprinters Classic with the fastest man over the Poggio likely to come out on top.
It is rarely so simple with climbs like the Cipressa and Poggio providing ample opportunities for the puncheurs, northern Classics strong men and break away specialists to try and escape the Peloton and the sprinters.
It makes for compelling racing. The Cipressa and Poggio climbs provide the main opportunity for attack before the finish line.
Milan-San Remo opens with a long stretch along the Po Plain before the peloton crosses the Passo del Turchino to reach the Mediterranean. A long and easy climb, the average gradient over 25 kilometres is just 1.4%.
The route if very flat until the small climbs of the Capo Mele, Capo Cervo and Capo Berta, which are perfect to warm up for the final showdown on the Cipressa and Poggio.
At around 291 kms, it's the sheer distance that makes it so tough. After a long day in the saddle, the finale is always exciting with the battle between those looking to escape and those looking to keep it together create a fast and frenetic ending.
The Cipressa, 5.5 kilometres at 4.1% and a steepest section of 9%. This is a great place for a an attack as there are just over 20 kilometres remaining at the summit.
The Poggio is the last chance to attack the bunch. In 2012, Fabian Cancellara, Simon Gerrans and Vincenzo Nibali succeed attacked and decimated the Peloton. Gerrans proved to be the best in the final sprint.
The Poggio is only 3.7 kilometres long, but after almost 300 kilometres of racing, it takes a huge effort for the sprinters to get over anywhere near the front. It peaks out at about 8% with 1 kilometre left to climb. The descent is very technical with tight corners and the best descenders could go on the attack.
The final kilometres are flat and perfect for any sprinters who have made it over the Poggo to take victory.
You can follow all the action with our live coverage on Saturday March 18th from 05:15 PST 08:15 EST, 13:15 GMT, 15:15 CET here on our Milan-SanRemo LIVESTREAM.
We'll have the full results, video highlights and vidoe of the final 30 kilometres for you to watch at your leisure.