ANALYSIS | Milano-Sanremo: The history of the monument that makes legends out of sprinters and climbers alike

Every March, as winter gives way to spring, the cycling world turns its attention to Italy for one of the most anticipated and most beautiful races on the calendar: Milano-Sanremo.

Known as "La Primavera" (The Spring), this one-day Monument is the longest professional race of the year and one of the most unpredictable. Stretching nearly 300 kilometres from the northern city of Milan to the coastal town of Sanremo, the race is a test of endurance, patience, and perfectly timed execution.

While some Classics favour specialists, Milano-Sanremo is unique in that a wide range of riders, from sprinters to punchers and even time trialists, can realistically dream of victory.

It’s so unpredictable, that not even Tadej Pogacar has won the race. Yet.

The origins of Milan-Sanremo date back to the early 20th century when Tullo Morgagni, a journalist for La Gazzetta dello Sport, proposed a long-distance race from Milan to Sanremo. The first edition, held in 1907, saw only 14 of the 33 starters reach the finish line, with Frenchman Lucien Petit-Breton taking victory.

The early editions set the precedent for the unpredictable and grueling nature of Milano-Sanremo, a race that continues to deliver surprises more than a century later.

Unlike the cobbled Monuments such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, Milano-Sanremo lacks the brutal terrain that characterizes those races. Instead, its difficulty lies in its sheer length. At nearly 300 kilometres, it is the longest professional race on the calendar, demanding exceptional endurance and tactical endurance too.

The route is largely flat in the first half, lulling riders into a false sense of security before the real challenges emerge in the final 50 kilometres.

One of the most iconic features of Milano-Sanremo is the Passo del Turchino, a climb that once played a decisive role in the race but has since become more of a symbolic passage. The climb traditionally marks the transition from the cold and often grey conditions of Lombardy to the bright, picturesque Ligurian coastline. It was here, in the early years of the race, that decisive attacks often went clear, but as cycling has evolved, its role has diminished.

The modern-day selection process typically begins with the three "Capi", Capo Mele, Capo Cervo, and Capo Berta. While not particularly steep or long, these climbs serve to soften the legs and eliminate those who are not in peak condition. Riders who struggle with positioning or find themselves too far back often burn crucial energy trying to stay in contention.

The real battle, however, begins with the Cipressa, a 5.6-kilometer climb averaging 4% that was introduced in 1982 to make the finale more selective. While it rarely produces a winning move, it does serve to whittle down the peloton and set the stage for the race-defining Poggio di Sanremo.

The Poggio, just 3.7 kilometres long, may seem unremarkable on paper, but its placement so close to the finish makes it one of the most critical points of any race. Introduced in 1960, the climb is often where attackers launch their bids for glory, hoping to distance the sprinters before the final descent into Sanremo.

This final stretch, a technical descent off the Poggio, has played a decisive role in many editions of the race. Riders who can handle their bikes at high speed gain an advantage here, with the descent often proving just as crucial as the climb itself. The race then flattens out for the last two kilometres, leading into a thrilling finale on the Via Roma, Sanremo's famous finishing straight.

Over the years, Milano-Sanremo has produced some of the most legendary moments in cycling history. Costante Girardengo dominated the race in the early 20th century, winning six times between 1918 and 1928, cementing his place as one of Italy's greatest cycling icons. The 1946 edition remains one of the most celebrated, as Fausto Coppi launched an audacious attack after just 5km and finished 14 minutes ahead of Lucien Teisseire to claim victory in a performance that symbolised Italy's post-war resilience.

Perhaps no rider has left a greater mark on Milano-Sanremo than Eddy Merckx. The Belgian superstar won the race a record seven times between 1966 and 1976, showcasing his ability to win in a variety of ways, whether in solo attacks, small breakaways, or bunch sprints. His victories cemented Milaon-Sanremo as a race where both classics specialists and all-rounders could thrive.

In more recent history, the unpredictability of Milan-Sanremo has been on full display. In 2008, Fabian Cancellara stunned the peloton with a perfectly timed attack in the final kilometres, using his time trailing ability to hold off the chasers. In 2017, Peter Sagan, Michał Kwiatkowski, and Julian Alaphilippe engaged in a breathtaking three-man sprint, with Kwiatkowski edging out Sagan by mere millimetres. The drama of the race continues to captivate cycling fans, proving that despite the seemingly straightforward course, Milano-Sanremo is anything but predictable.

One of the unique aspects of Milan-Sanremo is its ability to accommodate a wide range of riders. Pure sprinters like Mark Cavendish, who won in 2009, have found success when the race comes down to a bunch kick, while aggressive attackers like Vincenzo Nibali, who triumphed in 2018 with a daring solo move on the Poggio, have also had their moments of glory.

This dual nature of the race means that no single style of rider has a guaranteed advantage, making it one of the most exciting and open contests in cycling. If both sprinters and climbers can win, it’s certainly a race that no one wants to miss.

The strategic element of Milan-Sanremo is what makes it so compelling. Unlike the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, where the strongest riders often win through sheer power, Milano-Sanremo requires a perfect balance of patience and opportunism. Attacking too early can lead to heartbreak, while waiting too long can leave a rider without options. Every decision in the final kilometres is magnified, making for a thrilling spectacle where race craft is just as important as physical strength.

As cycling continues to evolve, so does Milano-Sanremo. The race has experimented with additional climbs, such as the Le Manie ascent, in an attempt to make thins more difficult for sprinters, but its core identity remains unchanged. The tension that builds over nearly 300 kilometres, culminating in a frantic and unpredictable finale, ensures that Milano-Sanremo will continue to be one of the most anticipated races of the season.

Looking ahead to future editions, Milano-Sanremo remains a coveted prize for riders of all disciplines. For sprinters, it represents one of the few opportunities to win a Monument. For classics specialists, it offers a rare chance to battle head-to-head with the fastest men in the world. And for fans, it is a spectacle that never fails to deliver drama, proving year after year why it is one of the most beloved races in cycling.

Milan-Sanremo is more than just a race; it is a celebration of cycling itself. Its history, unpredictability, and ability to crown a wide variety of champions make it a truly unique event. As long as there are cyclists willing to push themselves to the limit, La Primavera will remain one of the sport’s most cherished traditions, ushering in the new season with excitement, beauty, and unforgettable moments.

Its charm lies in the unknown, the tension-filled moments leading up to the Poggio, the chaotic descents, and the final stretch where victory is decided in a matter of seconds. That is the magic of Milano-Sanremo: a race that has stood the test of time and continues to deliver unforgettable moments, year after year.