On March 22, 2025, cycling enthusiasts witnessed a thrilling double feature as the iconic Milano-Sanremo race unfolded, marking both the 116th edition of the men's event and the eagerly anticipated return of the women's race after a two-decade absence. The women’s race, known as Milano-Sanremo Women, saw Lorena Wiebes outpace her compatriot Marianne Vos in a nail-biting finish, while the men’s race showcased a fierce battle among elite cyclists including Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel.
The day began with the women’s race, where Lorena Wiebes, a member of Team SD Worx, demonstrated exceptional sprinting capability to clinch victory. Vos trailed closely but couldn’t surpass Wiebes as they approached the finish line in the heart of Sanremo, amid a flurry of excitement. Notably, Elisa Longo Borghini made a gallant attempt to break away near the end but was caught just 200 meters from the line, ultimately finishing just behind the top contenders. "I dreamed of winning this race. Last year I did everything right, and I was beaten only by the fastest man on the planet. Now I feel good, I’m confident," said Michael Matthews, who watched the unfolding drama with keen interest, highlighting the intense competition among elite professional cyclists.
The men's race commenced shortly after the women’s event, starting in Pavia and traversing the scenic routes to Sanremo. Attracting significant attention were the powerhouses of the sport, including the 2023 winner Mathieu van der Poel and the formidable Tadej Pogacar, each vying to solidify their legacies in this prestigious cycling classic. The 289 km journey featured grueling climbs, notably the Cipressa and Poggio, which would ultimately prove critical in the race's outcome.
In the first stages, a breakaway group formed, consisting of eight riders: Alessandro Verre, Mathis Le Berre, Tommaso Nencini, Mark Stewart, Kristian Sbaragli, Martin Marcellusi, Filippo Turconi, and Baptiste Veistroffer. As they built a slight but significant lead, the main peloton kept them in check—ensuring no excessive gaps would form. Conditions fluctuated, with rain threatening but ultimately giving way to clearer skies as racers navigated across the Italian coastline.
As the race unfolded, hope surged for local favorites, especially Filippo Ganna and Jonathan Milan, who had demonstrated powerful form leading up to this much-anticipated event. Ganna’s performance in the previous Tirreno-Adriatico solidified his status as a key contender. Milan too shared the podium aspirations, garnering attention for his sprinting prowess in the final stretches of classic races. "With this state of form, the Milano-Sanremo and classics look promising," declared Mads Pedersen with palpable confidence, hinting at the fierce competition and potential for surprise upsets.
As the leading group approached the Poggio, the race dynamics tightened. With an array of strategies—some riders geared for sprint finishes, others capable of gritty climbs—tension escalated. At this pivotal moment, riders relied on their training and instinct, aware that the next few kilometers would dictate the event's conclusion.
The legendary finish line on Via Roma awaited, where pulsating energy and anticipation build in the crowd. As the final kilometers loomed, every cyclist's determination surged, amidst shouts from fans lining the route. The tactics employed during the climbs would now reveal their worth as the last surge of energy was mustered for the legendary sprint to the finish.
If the men’s race follow suit with the dramatic outcomes seen in the women’s event, there would no doubt be tales of heroism and heartbreak that fans will remember long after the last pedal stroke is made.
Ultimately, the Milano-Sanremo races illuminated the finest attributes of professional cycling: resilience, strategy, and the unyielding pursuit of victory, on a day where the cycling world collectively held its breath. As the sun set over the picturesque Italian coast, both Wiebes’ exhilarating triumph and the dramatic fate of the men’s contenders marked a new chapter in the storied legacy of Milano-Sanremo, elevating its status even further in the hearts of cycling aficionados.
