Paul Magnier leads Soudal Quick-Step ambitions at Milano-Sanremo 2026

Just one day after the arrival of spring, the WorldTour peloton lines up in Pavia for the start of Milano-Sanremo, the first Monument of the cycling season and one of the most unpredictable races on the calendar. Soudal - Quick-Step returns to 'La Primavera' with ambition, aiming to add another victory to its history after previous triumphs in 2003, 2006 and 2019.

At 298 kilometres, Milano-Sanremo remains the longest race on the WorldTour schedule, a contest where patience and positioning are just as important as strength. The decisive phase traditionally begins in the final hour of racing, when the peloton approaches the Ligurian coast and the well-known sequence of climbs starts to shape the outcome.

As always, the Cipressa and the Poggio will play a crucial role in determining how the race unfolds. The Cipressa, measuring 5.6 kilometres at 4.1%, often serves as the first real launchpad for attacks, with teams increasing the pace in an attempt to thin out the peloton. Shortly after comes the Poggio, a shorter but explosive climb of 3.7 kilometres at 3.7%, where the strongest riders usually try to break clear before the fast and technical descent towards Sanremo.

With the top of the Poggio located less than six kilometres from the finish line on Via Roma, any gap created there can be difficult to close, especially because the descent rewards riders who are willing to take risks. Over the years, this combination has produced many different race scenarios, from reduced sprints to late solo attacks.

Despite the uncertainty that always surrounds Milano-Sanremo, the Belgian squad arrives motivated and ready to compete for a result on one of cycling’s biggest stages.

“We are excited to be at the start of Milano-Sanremo this weekend! It is the first Monument of the year and the beginning of one of the best months of the season. It is also a race where anything can happen and many scenarios are possible."

"The squad we are taking there is strong and very motivated to fight for a good result on Via Roma. Of course, we know it will not be easy, it never is in a Monument, but we are more than ready to show the Wolfpack spirit and give our best on Saturday”, said sports director Davide Bramati to the official team website.