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Milan-San Remo, marking the first Monument of the pro cycling season, is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024. Established in 1907, it stands as one of the oldest events on the cycling calendar. Spanning over 300km, it holds the distinction of being the longest race.
Yet, what truly sets Milan-San Remo apart is its inherent unpredictability. The extensive distance, coupled with strategically positioned climbs towards the conclusion of the route and the persistent threat of adverse weather conditions, introduces a myriad of possibilities for a diverse range of riders.
- What? Milan – San Remo Cycling Race
- When? Saturday March 16, 2024
- Where? Start – Pavia, Finish – Sanremo
- Total distance: 288km
- Defending champion: Mathieu van der Poel
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Mathieu van der Poel is the defending champion and clear favorite but this article will assess the chances of Tadej Pogacar. Having failed to secure victory in this race three times before, and following an impressive 80-kilometer solo triumph at Strade Bianche earlier this month, it appears challenging for any competitor to outshine his current exceptional form. At odds of +650, he appears to be good value.
| Milan-San Remo |  |  |  |
| Mathieu Van Der Poel | +275 | +275 | +275 |
| Wout Van Aert | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| Tadej Pogacar | +650 | +600 | +600 |
| Filippo Ganna | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Mads Pederson | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Matej Mohoric | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
Tadej Pogacar (+650)
Despite consistently dominating various races, Milan-Sanremo has proven elusive for Tadej Pogacar, who is yet to claim victory despite his fourth participation. His best showing was a fourth-place finish in last year’s race, preceded by a fifth-place in 2021 and a 13th-place in 2019. While he boasts wins in other prestigious Monuments such as the Tour of Flanders and Il Lombardia (three times each), La Classicissima remains a notable challenge for the Slovenian rider. Following an impressive start to the season at Strade Bianche, where he triumphed with an 80-kilometer solo ride, Pogačar’s undeniable form suggests that 2024 might be the year he, alongside his formidable UAE Team Emirates squad featuring Brandon McNulty, Tim Wellens, and Marc Hirschi, master the tactics to secure victory at Milan-Sanremo. With a strong supporting cast, Pogacar aims to finally add this prestigious title to his cycling achievements.
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Milan-San Remo 2024 Route
The 2024 edition of Milan-Sanremo commences in Pavia, embarking on approximately 44 km of flat roads along the Ticino River before rejoining the traditional route in Casteggio. Following the historical path that has linked Milan to the Riviera di Ponente for over a century, the course traverses Ovada and the Passo del Turchino, descending into Genoa in Voltri. Progressing westward along the coastline via the Statale Aurelia, the race passes through Varazze, Savona, Albenga (excluding the Manie climb featured from 2008 to 2013), and Imperia.
Upon reaching San Lorenzo al Mare, after navigating the familiar sequence of the Capi (Mele, Cervo, and Berta), the peloton faces two relatively recent additions to the route: the Cipressa (1982) and the Poggio di Sanremo (1961). The Cipressa spans just over 5.6 km with a gradient of 4.1%, and its challenging descent leads back to SS 1 Aurelia.
The ascent of Poggio di Sanremo begins with 9 km remaining to the finish, covering 3.7 km with an average gradient of less than 4% and a maximum of 8% in the segment before reaching the summit. The road narrows, featuring four hairpin turns in the initial 2 km. The descent is demanding, navigating asphalt switchback roads that are narrow at points, with twists and turns until the junction with SS 1 Aurelia. The concluding portion of the descent enters urban Sanremo, with the final 2 km unfolding on long, straight urban roads. A left-hand bend on a roundabout appears 850 m from the finish line, and the last bend, leading into the Via Roma home straight, materializes 750 m from the finish line.
