The cycling season truly kicks into gear on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with the legendary Milano-Sanremo, known as La Primavera. This famed race marks the first Monument of the year, featuring a thrilling 289-kilometer route from Piazza della Vittoria in Pavia to the coastal resort of San Remo, culminating in an iconic finale characterized by the punishing climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio.
This year's edition is expected to be particularly brutal, with forecasts predicting challenging weather conditions, including wind gusts of up to 19 kilometers per hour, adding a layer of unpredictability to the race. Two big names stand out ahead of the event: former champion Mathieu van der Poel, who won the race in 2023, and Tadej Pogačar, who is eager to capture a victory in a race that has eluded him so far. Winner of the 2024 edition, Jasper Philipsen, is also back, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
As teams prepare for the race, Israel Premier Tech (IPT) is lining up a strong team to support Corbin Strong. "We have got a lot of depth in the team with riders capable of performing really well in this race," said sports director Sam Bewley. He emphasized the importance of positioning into the climbs to maximize their chances of success. Strong, a 24-year-old who finished 17th in last year's edition, is focused on improving his performance: "Milano-Sanremo is one of the nicest races on the calendar. I’ve had a long training period since Tour Down Under, so my shape is good, and I’m hungry to show the hard work I’ve put in."
The race's final 30 kilometers, where the Cipressa and Poggio climbs take center stage, are crucial. Only 5.5 km remain from the top of the Poggio to the finish line, making energy conservation and tactical positioning vital. "In an ideal world, we’ll get a few guys over the Cipressa to be there with Corbin and support him leading into the Poggio," Bewley explained. "We know that positioning into Poggio is really important, and hopefully, we’ll get one rider over the top together with Corbin. Ideally, it’ll come down to a sprint within a reduced group with Corbin in there to fight for a top result."
Fans are recommended to tune in for the extensive television coverage of this cycling classic. Rai will broadcast the race live starting at 10:05 AM CEST, followed by a switch to Rai 2 for the final stages. Discovery+ will also stream both the men's and women's races, enabling audiences worldwide to partake in the excitement. For viewers outside Europe, various broadcasters, including FloSports in Canada and MAX in the United States, will provide coverage.
The race features a multitude of riders, with 175 expected to start, supported by a convoy of approximately 120 vehicles. The strategic placement of teams is paramount, especially in navigating tactical decisions through the climbs. Tadej Pogačar, despite his past disappointments in Milano-Sanremo—where he has finished in various places but never first—aims to cement his legacy in this race. His team is filled with strong riders who can maintain a high tempo, hoping to split the field before the approaching climbs.
Strategically, Pogačar's challenge lies not only in his formidable competition but in the nature of the race itself. The relatively easy climbs do not easily eliminate sprinters and one-day specialists, making it crucial for him to apply pressure on his rivals to create separation. Historically, the last few kilometers see intense competition, where fatigue and strategy come to the forefront, and tactical moves can change the race's dynamic in an instant.
With the weather playing a critical role, racers must be prepared for anything. Pogačar’s team manager, Joxean Fernández Matxin, indicated that despite Pogačar’s recent crash, he’s showing improvement as race day approaches. “It’s true that the first two days after the crash he was sore and had discomfort. Honestly, I don’t know if he has any degree of pain or discomfort right now,” Matxin noted, emphasizing the unpredictability of race conditions.
As anticipation builds, fans are invited to engage with the race through Fantasy Milano-Sanremo, allowing participants to design teams of 13 riders within a €140 million budget. Entry costs $10.83 per team, with $1,625 in guaranteed prizes on offer, making it more than just a game but an exciting opportunity to win big while enjoying the cycling classic.
Ultimately, the Milano-Sanremo is not just about the favorites but also offers a platform for surprises, as history shows. The thrill lies in the unexpected—who will emerge victorious amidst the drama, weather, and tactical maneuvers on the day? With Pogačar determined to claim his first victory and van der Poel looking to defend his title, one thing's for sure: the race is set up to be a classic battle on Sunday!
