The cycling world turns its attention to Italy this Saturday, March 21, 2026, for the 117th edition of Milan-San Remo, the first of cycling’s five Monuments and a race steeped in history. Dubbed “La Classicissima,” this one-day classic stretches 298 kilometers (approximately 185 miles), making it the longest professional one-day race in modern European cycling. The race promises a thrilling showdown between reigning champion Mathieu van der Poel and rival Tadej Pogacar, alongside a strong contingent of French hopefuls.
This year’s edition marks a continuation of the recent trend, with the peloton setting off from Pavia, a town approximately 30 kilometers south of Milan. After a local circuit, the route heads south, diverging from last year’s course only briefly before rejoining the traditional path around Voghera. The race is expected to conclude around 4:55 PM local time (estimated based on a 44 km/h average speed), offering a full day of captivating cycling action.
Alongside the men’s race, the second edition of Sanremo Women will take place on the same day. The women’s race, following the 2025 course, covers approximately 150 kilometers, starting in Genoa and finishing in San Remo. The women’s peloton will navigate a challenging route along the elevated roads above Genoa’s Porto Antico before merging with the men’s race in Voltri, sharing the historic route towards the finish.
A Duel at the Top: Van der Poel and Pogacar
All of cycling’s major teams will be present, including French squads Decathlon-CMA CGM, Groupama-FDJ United, Cofidis, and Unibet Rose Rockets. However, much of the pre-race focus centers on the anticipated battle between Mathieu van der Poel, the 2025 champion, and Tadej Pogacar. Van der Poel’s dominant performance last year has cemented his status as a top favorite, but Pogacar’s relentless attacking style and proven ability make him a formidable opponent.
French Hopes: Alaphilippe, Magnier, and a Rising Generation
Whereas the duel between Van der Poel and Pogacar looms large, French riders are eager to make their mark on “La Primavera.” Julian Alaphilippe will be making his ninth start in the race, having finished ninth in 2024 and securing a memorable victory in 2019. The race has historically favored French riders, with Arnaud Démare’s win in 2016 being a recent example of French success.
All eyes will similarly be on Paul Magnier, a young talent who has already amassed an impressive 26 professional victories at just 21 years aged. Magnier’s consistent performance and aggressive riding style position him as a potential contender. Other French riders to watch include Paul Lapeira, a key rider for the confident Decathlon CMA CGM team, Axel Laurance, and Christophe Laporte, all aiming to continue the strong start to the season for French cycling.
Remembering Grégoire’s Bold Effort
Last year’s race saw Romain Grégoire deliver a memorable performance, briefly matching the pace of Pogacar and Van der Poel on the Cipressa climb before ultimately being overtaken. Grégoire’s aggressive move highlighted the demanding nature of the course and the need for strategic timing to challenge for the win.
The Crucial Final Kilometers
The final 40 kilometers of Milan-San Remo are where the race typically explodes. The ascent of the Cipressa, a 5.5-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 4.1%, often whittles down the peloton, leaving only the strongest riders to contend for victory. Following the Cipressa, the Poggio, a short but steep climb, presents a final opportunity for attacks before the descent towards the finish line in San Remo.
The Poggio, averaging around 3.7% gradient, is often the decisive point of the race. Riders must navigate the technical descent carefully, maintaining speed and positioning to launch a final attack or respond to moves from their rivals. The final kilometers along the Via Roma are a flat sprint, where positioning and timing are crucial for securing the win.
What to Expect: Tactical Keys and Potential Scenarios
Several tactical scenarios could unfold during the race. Van der Poel and Pogacar may attempt to isolate each other with early attacks, forcing their rivals to expend energy. Teams with strong sprinters may perform to control the pace and bring the race to a bunch sprint. A breakaway could also succeed if the peloton fails to organize a cohesive chase.
The weather conditions will also play a role. Rain or wind could make the course more challenging and unpredictable, favoring riders with strong bike-handling skills and tactical awareness. Teams will need to adapt their strategies based on the prevailing conditions.
The race’s history suggests that a rider with strong climbing ability and a fast sprint finish has the best chance of success. However, Milan-San Remo is known for its unpredictable nature, and a surprise winner is always a possibility.
The 2026 Milan-San Remo promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the world’s best cyclists battling for glory on one of the sport’s most iconic courses. The race will not only test the riders’ physical endurance but also their tactical acumen and mental fortitude.
Following Milan-San Remo, the cycling calendar continues with a series of spring classics, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. These races will further test the riders’ form and provide opportunities for other contenders to shine.
