The 117th edition of the Milan–San Remo, cycling’s first Monument of the season, unfolded on March 21, 2026, bringing together the world’s top riders for a grueling 298-kilometer journey from Pavia to the iconic Via Roma in San Remo. This year’s Classicissima not only marked a continuation of new traditions—like the start from Pavia instead of Milan—but also delivered the kind of drama, unpredictability, and tactical brilliance that has defined this legendary race for over a century.
For the second consecutive year, the race began in Pavia, a city roughly 35 kilometers south of Milan. This change, now cemented until at least 2027, reflects both logistical and economic considerations. Pavia’s annual contribution to the race organization ensures a smoother start and fewer urban obstacles in the early kilometers. While some purists may still pine for the original Milan departure, the new route has proven its worth, offering a more stable launchpad for the peloton without sacrificing the event’s grueling nature.
The men’s race kicked off at 10:00 AM CET, with fans lining the streets and millions more tuning in worldwide. Eurosport and Max provided extensive live coverage across Europe and the US, while Australian and Italian fans enjoyed free-to-air broadcasts on SBS and RAI, respectively. The global reach of Milan–San Remo was on full display, with cycling enthusiasts from every continent eager to witness the season’s first major showdown.
The route itself, while familiar, never loses its edge. After a serene opening stretch, the Passo del Turchino loomed as the first significant challenge—a 26-kilometer climb at a gentle 1.5% gradient. While no longer the decisive factor it once was, the Turchino serves as a psychological and physical filter, setting the stage for the coastal drama to come. Once the peloton crested the pass and descended towards Genoa Voltri, the Mediterranean coastline beckoned, with the towns of Varazze, Savona, and Albenga marking the approach to the pivotal final 50 kilometers.
Here, the Three Capi—Capo Mele, Capo Cervo, and Capo Berta—began to sap the strength of even the hardiest contenders. These short but punchy climbs, while rarely race-defining on their own, play a crucial role in positioning riders for the finale. Capo Mele (1.7 km at 4.2%), Capo Cervo (1.9 km at 2.6%), and Capo Berta (1.8 km at 7.1%) forced the favorites to the fore and started to thin the ranks of pure sprinters.
The Cipressa, 22 kilometers from the finish, was next on the menu. This 5.6-kilometer ascent at an average of 4.1% has grown in importance in recent years, with aggressive riders like Tadej Pogačar often launching attacks here in hopes of breaking the race early. Yet, the ten flat kilometers that follow typically allow the peloton to regroup and neutralize most moves. Still, the technical descent from Cipressa is not to be underestimated; history has shown that one miscalculation can dash years of preparation in an instant.
As the race approached its crescendo, the Poggio di Sanremo—3.7 kilometers at 3.7%—awaited, its four hairpin turns and narrowing road ratcheting up the tension. This is where legends are made and hearts are broken. In 2025, Mathieu van der Poel had stunned the field with a perfectly timed acceleration near the summit, and anticipation was sky-high to see if he or another contender would repeat such heroics.
The men’s favorites were a who’s who of contemporary cycling. Mathieu van der Poel, the two-time defending champion, arrived in fine form, his Alpecin-Deceuninck team ready to control the race’s tempo. Tadej Pogačar, widely regarded as the world’s best cyclist, was once again chasing his first Milan–San Remo victory, his aggressive style perfectly suited to the unpredictable nature of the Classicissima. Filippo Ganna, Wout van Aert, and Tom Pidcock rounded out a stellar list of contenders, each bringing unique strengths and tactical options.
While the men’s race captured much of the pre-race attention, the women’s Milan–San Remo—run on the same day—delivered its own share of fireworks. SD Worx-Protime, with defending champion Lorena Wiebes, controlled the peloton for much of the day, setting a steady tempo and neutralizing early breakaways. But the script was flipped on the descent of the Cipressa, when a heavy crash eliminated key contenders Kasia Niewiadoma and Kim Le Court. That incident disrupted the rhythm of the race, allowing a larger group to reform and briefly raising the prospect of a sprint finish.
The decisive moment came on the Poggio, where Puck Pieterse launched a blistering acceleration. Only a select group—Lotte Kopecky, Elena Ruegg, Sofia Gasparrini, Pieterse herself, and Dominika Wlodarczyk—could respond, forming a breakaway that would define the finale. Despite the chasing group’s efforts, the five leaders maintained a narrow advantage into the closing kilometers. Wlodarczyk emptied herself on the front for Gasparrini, but it was Kopecky who kept her cool, tracking every move and waiting for the perfect moment.
When the sprint opened, Lotte Kopecky unleashed a decisive acceleration, surging past her rivals to claim victory in a race that had seen her briefly out of position earlier on the Cipressa. Her win was a masterclass in race management, blending patience, tactical awareness, and raw power. As the dust settled, cycling fans marveled at how the women’s race had mirrored the men’s in its unpredictability and the necessity for riders to adapt to shifting scenarios.
Behind the scenes, the logistical and economic realities of modern cycling were on full display. The decision to start in Pavia, for example, was not merely about tradition or convenience; it was a calculated move to ensure the race’s financial sustainability. The city’s annual fee to host the start has become a crucial part of the event’s business model, reflecting the broader challenges facing professional cycling in balancing heritage with commercial viability.
For fans, the 2026 Milan–San Remo offered a feast of action and accessible viewing options. Whether tuning in via Eurosport, Max, SBS, or RAI, or following live updates on social media, viewers around the globe witnessed the very best of what cycling has to offer: breathtaking landscapes, nerve-wracking tactical battles, and the ever-present possibility of the unexpected.
As the sun set on Via Roma, the 2026 Milan–San Remo had once again lived up to its billing as the sport’s spring classic, a race where only the most adaptable and daring riders can hope to triumph. With both the men’s and women’s races serving up unforgettable moments, fans and riders alike are already looking forward to what surprises next year’s edition might hold.