"This was a good first introduction to Milano-Sanremo" - Arnaud De Lie happy with introduction to monument racing

Arnaud De Lie was perhaps the rider with the most mixed expectations heading into Milano-Sanremo. Some expected a big performance, but the 21-year old was satisfied with the experience obtained in what was his debut in a monument.

“This Milano-Sanremo was all about gaining experience and I think I learned a lot from this first participation,” De Lie said after completing his first monument. “On the Capi I already realized I wasn't having a great day, so I decided to help the team and put Caleb in good position on the Cipressa.”

He had proven to have the endurance before, but it became clear to him he could not fight for a result. He helped Lotto Dstny and Caleb Ewan on the approach to the Cipressa, and then was dropped in the slopes of the longest ascent of the day. “It was a thrill to start the Cipressa from scratch. I then tried to follow, but had to let go just before the top," he said.

"This was a good first introduction to Milano-Sanremo. I am hungry for more," De Lie concluded. He arrived at the finish 5:43 after winner Mathieu van der Poel, whilst Caleb Ewan better survived the climbs and sprinted to 16th place.