OFFICIAL: Primoz Roglic and Giulio Pellizzari to race Milano-Sanremo for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe

Primoz Roglic and Giulio Pellizzari are both racing Milano-Sanremo this weekend. Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe did not reveal the lineup yet with two days to go, however, they released a preview from one of the team's leaders, Laurence Pithie, in which the New Zealander has revealed the presence of the two climbers in what used to be termed the 'sprinters' monument'.

At Paris-Nice, Pithie was able to show good form, chasing his own results and aiding the team's GC ambitions simultaneously. “We worked really well as a team, and everyone was on great form to go for the results we wanted,” Pithie said in a press release. “We were often in the top five on most stages, so that was a really nice week. Even if it almost came undone on the final day, we managed to salvage it with good teamwork, and Dani brought home the GC podium.”

A second place on stage 2 could've been his first pro win for the German team, but the 2025 signee is yet to raise his arms with Red Bull - BORA. “I’ve been chasing a win since the start of the season. I’ve been close a few times now, and that second place definitely keeps me hungry to fight for more. I think I just need a bit of luck to go my way and for things to pan out well. The win shouldn’t be far away, I hope.”

The competition is extremely strong, however, on paper, Sanremo is a race that suits him very well. In 2024, he was 15th, confirming his potential to race for a strong result. “For sure, versatility is one of my strengths. I’m not the best sprinter, but I can climb quite well. If I can make it over the climbs with a select group, then that versatility definitely helps me. At the moment, I’d say it’s one of my better strengths.”

There were lots of questions early in the year on whether Remco Evenepoel would aim for the race, which was eventually cast aside. Maxim van Gils was set to race it but suffered bad injuries at the Clásica Jaen Paraiso Interior which ended its season. Pithie is to be joined by Danny van Poppel and Tim van Dijke, a lineup that looked to be focused on any sprint scenario, but it seems like that will not be exclusive.

“I think Sanremo is a hard race to understand, and it’s always changing, with Pogačar trying to go full gas on the Cipressa, it used to be more of a sprinter’s race but now you really have to climb well. I don’t think you can ever fully understand the race, to be honest, but for sure the positioning is very important. My first participations in the race taught me where I need to be, and when to use my bullets".

Pithie reveals that both Primoz Roglic and Giulio Pellizzari, who raced Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Torino, will be at the Italian monument. Pellizzari's presence specially is surprising, taking into consideration he complained about a tendon injury during Tirreno, but continued racing a very heavy schedule and is adding another race into it.

“It was last year as well, when Pogačar went, and I think they’ll probably have the same goal this year. Our plan will be to follow that move if we can with Primož and Giulio," Pithie said. "For me, it’s to see where I’m at and try to be there. And if it comes back for a sprint, then sprint for the best result possible. Positioning into the Cipressa is going to be the most important. If I can be there, then I’ll try to follow.”