Leading the way:
Greg Van Avermaet, Oliver Naesen and AG2R-Citroen recon the course.
After Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico, the first of the five Monuments of the season starts Spring Saturday with La Classicissima. This 112th edition of Milan-San Remo will cover no less than 299 kilometers covering the legendary Cipressa and Poggio before the finish. Between the sprinters and the puncheurs the race will start about twenty kilometers remaining on the Cipressa.
While the bookmakers are devising who of the big 3 (MVP, JP, WVA) will win. This, anything can happen 7-hour marathon classic can/will present surprises that can put the big 3 in jeopardy.
Here's my riders that can 'steal' it from the big 3...
Michael Matthews is a rider with plenty of pedigree (3rd in 2015, 2020) to provide that certain 'Bling'. Last year he was third with a smashed hand and this year is back with Team BikeExchange, a rider built for this race.
"I feel even more motivated to do well and our target is to fight to arrive until the last few meters at the front and play our best chances for victory."
- Matthew Matthews
My other dark horse that can strike is the expert Peter Sagan (2nd in 2013, 2017. 4th in 2012, 2015, 2019, 2020). He's had a COVID layoff rode Tirreno-Adriatico and still can't be ruled out.
"Who will win at Sanremo? Maybe I will!? No, that's hard to say, we'll see how the race goes. The weather can also play a major role."
-Peter Sagan
Davide Ballerini is in top form winning two stages at Tour de la Provence and the overall of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. If it comes down to a sprint, the young Italian can seal the deal.
Spring makes it return with La Primavera!
Can Phil Gil join the elusive 5 Monument club?
Look back on the Cannibal:
Eddy Merckx on his way to a record 7 wins. 1976 Milan Sanremo.
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