If you think Milano-Sanremo is boring, remember,
one-day races are just like fine thrillers.
Milano-Sanremo, established in 1907, is the longest race among the Monuments. Almost 300 km long, a monument (obviously) of the early days of road cycling races, when long road cycling races served the marketing puspose to prove the endurance of a bicycle for the future customers, ever,day people, who whished to buy something worth of their money.
Mi!ano-Sanremo is also seems, at the first sight the less unique of the five historical one-day races. There are no cobblestones (like in the cases of Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix), and rather flat (unlike Liège-Bastogne-Liège or Il Lombardia). It was considered for many-many decades the Monument for the sprinters.
Except, that it is not.
Neither is only for sprinters, nor boring.
At least since those two nice ascents, Poggio (1960) and Cipressa (1982) were introduced to the race.
The fact that both ascents are the last 15 km of a 298-km long race makes the dynamics of the event unique.
These climbs, strategically placed near the end of such an enduring race, serve as decisive moments where tactics, stamina, and sheer willpower converge. The Poggio, with its sharp switchbacks and rapid descent, often forces a climactic showdown, while the Cipressa tests riders’ ability to maintain composure and position after nearly 280 kilometers of racing.
Together, these climbs transform Milan-San Remo from a straightforward endurance challenge into a thrilling spectacle of strategy, skill, and nerve. The Cipressa, with its steady gradients and tactical opportunities, is often where teams begin to position their leaders, setting the stage for the final showdown. Riders must carefully manage their remaining energy to stay with the peloton or launch an attack, knowing that any misstep could cost them the race.
The Poggio, coming so close to the finish, is where the tension reaches its peak. Its sharp switchbacks and technical descent create an arena for climbers, puncheurs, and daring descenders to make their move, forcing sprinters and their teams to fight desperately to stay in contention. These final kilometers often decide the race, blending endurance, tactics, and risk-taking in a way that few other races can replicate.
By placing these ascents so close to the finish, Milan-San Remo maintains an air of unpredictability, where victory can hinge on a well-timed attack or a momentary lapse. This unique dynamic ensures the race remains a captivating and suspenseful classic, blending tradition with opportunities for tactical innovation.