The charm of bike racing is that the strongest rider does not always win. Skill, tactics and sheer good luck play a role. Especially in Milan-Sanremo.
The race has evolved over the years and now in its 117th edition there is a change. Tadej Pogačar’s moves on the Cipressa have opened up the race and created a new version where the rules, scenarios and habits of recent years have been revised but the new script is not settled. If he goes again should rivals follow or wait. Stick or twist?
It’s too early to draw conclusions for the three year promotion and relegation cycle but here’s a look at the latest standings in chart form.
Stage 4 to Uchon saw the peloton split in crosswinds at the start. A crash in the front group inside the final 50km saw half the Red Bull team ride on unhindered with Jonas Vingegaard along for the ride. This was the moment the race was won.
The final stage and for once there’s not all to play for as Jonas Vingegaard leads by over three minutes. But the stage win and the other podium places are available and all on a new route with a novel finish.
An Alpine summit finish and an early finish so if you plan to catch this on TV then note it’s two hours earlier than usual.
Back at it, the peloton tackles the longest stage of the race with some tricky climbs in the finish. The sun should be back.
A team time trial and so a practice run for the Tour de France. However this course is not as hilly as recent editions and so the tactics will be more subtle as teams try to retain their rouleurs for as long as possible.
A sprint stage.
If this doesn’t set the heart racing, it’s the only certain one this week and today’s postcard looks at the way sprinting opportunities are drying up and changing.
