As spring unfolds, the anticipation for the Milano-Sanremo 2025 reaches a crescendo. The classic race, often called the "Classicissima", is set to take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting from the historic town of Pavia. Covering a striking 289 kilometers, this annual cycling event not only marks the beginning of the spring classics but also promises thrill and unpredictability with every turn.
Starting at 10:15 AM, the riders will leave from Piazza della Vittoria, heading towards the Ligurian coast and culminating in Sanremo. The course will pass through significant locations such as Casteggio, Voghera, Rivanazzano, and Tortona before rejoining the historic route through Ovada. The route also features the challenging Passo del Turchino, a crucial section anticipated by avid spectators.
The race is structured to put riders through a rigorous test, with two significant climbs—Cipressa and Poggio—near the end. The Cipressa spans 5.6 kilometers at a 4.1% average gradient, while the Poggio is shorter at 3.7 kilometers but steeper, with peaks hitting 8%. This build-up leads to a thrilling finish on the flat roads of Via Roma, Sanremo.
Among the favorites for this year’s race are Tadej Pogačar from UAE Team Emirates and Mathieu Van der Poel of Alpecin-Deceuninck. Pogačar, looking for his first win in this prestigious monument, has finished as high as third in previous years (5th in 2022, 4th in 2023, and 3rd last year). This year, he is eager to conquer the only monument that has eluded him so far, hoping to add to his already illustrious record. Van der Poel, the 2023 champion, enters the race with strong recent performances, including a crucial victory at the Samyn Classic.
However, he's not the only strong competitor. Defending champion Jasper Philipsen will also be on the start line, looking to secure back-to-back victories. Despite a recent crash in Nokere Koerse, his resilience and skills could play a pivotal role should the race come down to a sprint finish.
Other major contenders include Filippo Ganna, who displayed great form in the Tirreno-Adriatico, and Mads Pedersen, who has consistently performed well in recent races. Young riders like Jonathan Milan and Olav Kooij are also expected to challenge the veterans, bringing fresh energy to the race.
As the race progresses, spectators around the world are not only keeping their eyes on the favorites but also those potential surprise performers. Former winners like Matej Mohorič, Tom Pidcock, and Julian Alaphilippe add depth to the field, each possessing the talent to create upsets.
The event is drawing significant public interest, and road closures are expected along the route in Pavia and surrounding areas, notably from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when numerous streets will be inaccessible due to the race.
With an estimated race duration of nearly seven hours, key points such as the Passo del Turchino are slated for passage around 13:40, while the climactic moments of Cipressa and Poggio will see the riders from 16:16 to 17:12, respectively. Fans eagerly anticipate the last stretch leading into the final sprint, expected between 16:42 and 17:19.
Viewers can catch all the action today on various media platforms. The race will be broadcast live on RaiSport starting at 10:05 AM, with later transitions to Rai 2 for the concluding sections. Additional coverage will occur on Discovery+ and Eurosport, ensuring fans can follow their favorite cyclists throughout the day.
As we prepare for the Milano-Sanremo 2025, the anticipation is palpable. Who will emerge victorious, and who will find themselves on the podium? One thing is certain: the battle between elite cyclists on these historic roads is a spectacle in itself—one that combines endurance, strategic acumen, and flat-out speed.
