Spring is on its way and ‘La Classicissima’ returns with it. On Saturday 20 March, the 112th edition of Milano-Sanremo will take place.
The event follows the classic route with one alteration. Riders will not tackle the Passo del Turchino as it is currently inaccessible due to a landslide. The route will instead pass over the Colle di Giovo climb, then descend onto the Via Aurelia to Albisola.
The peloton will then follow the traditional course for the remaining 112km, climbing the Tre Capi before reaching Cipressa and Poggio and arriving on Via Roma for the race’s iconic finish. The total race distance will be 299km.
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sport, which organises the event, said “The previous edition of the Milano-Sanremo was held on an unusual date and took place over an unprecedented route.
“The results were very positive for the sport, for the media and from the audience’s point of view too. It highlighted the strong interest around La Classicissima and the level of excitement from fans all over the world that look forward to the event each year.
“This year, for the 112th edition of the race, we have decided to bring the Milano-Sanremo back onto its “classic” route in the Liguria region.”
He continued, “So most of the route will remain as it has traditionally been; with the Aurelia, the Tre Capi, Cipressa and Poggio before the arrival on Via Roma, but we will not be able to visit the Turchino for technical reasons. What is certain is that this edition will witness the greatest riders in international cycling putting on a show on roads that have become legendary thanks to La Classicissima.”
The President of Regione Liguria, Giovanni Toti said “The Milano-Sanremo returns to truly open the cycling season, it returns in spring and, albeit with a route that is slightly different from the traditional one, returns for the most part to Liguria.
“The mimosas, the olive trees, the sea, it all comes together for the ideal setting for this true classic of cycling, with the riders’ ‘parade’ along the coast being one of the most important elements of the inimitable charm of this race. On top of it, the hope that this year the race will mark the beginning of a return to normality that we all await.
“We have had to suffer too many postponements, too many closures, too many setbacks to spring and summer events, which are the driving force behind the Ligurian hospitality and tourism sector. Let’s start again from Milano-Sanremo: that injection of energy, hope and the opportunity for a real restart for everyone.”
