Human Powered Health is back in Italy to face the first Milano-Sanremo in 20 years.
Known as La Classicissima, Milano-Sanremo is one of cycling’s monuments and the jewel in any puncheur-sprinter’s crown. On March 20, the 156 km route will take the peloton from Genoa to the iconic Via Roma finish via the Cipressa and Poggio climbs.
The hilly finale makes the race iconic. 5.6 km at 4%, the Cipressa whittles down the group with the 3.7 km Poggio di Sanremo acting as the final launchpad for opportunists. The twists and turns of its descent are just as decisive and will dictate whether the race will finish with a solo victor, a sprint from a small breakaway, or a mass bunch kick.
We bring four Italians to start their home race. Giada Borghesi, Carlotta Cipressi, Barbara Malcotti and Katia Ragusa will line up with Mona Mitterwallner and Romy Kasper. With a skillset suited to the final decisive climbs and Kasper’s experience in the bunch, it’s a team banking on opportunities for hard racing.
How to watch
USA and Canada
FloBikes and Max with via the B/R Sports Add-On | from 7:00 am ET / 6:00 am CT / 5:00 am MT / 4:00 am PT
Belgium
Sporza/RTBF | from 10:35 CET
Europe
Eurosport/Discovery+ | from 12:00 am CET
UK
TNT Sports/Discovery+ online | from 11:00 am GMT
Katia Ragusa is part of the Italian contingent this weekend at the race that used to be called Primavera Rosa.
“For me, it’s the most iconic race on the calendar for the men so I’m glad we also have it,” says Ragusa. “As an Italian, this is something special. Even Italians who don’t know about cycling, know this race.”
The 27-year-old is ready for hard racing.
“The climbs in the finale will be big and I think the Cipressi will be decisive,” she explains. “I expect the roads between the climbs will be hectic also.”
Second, in the final WorldTour race of 2024 in China, Giada Borghesi is returning from a knee injury but is excited for the return of Sanremo.
“At Trofeo Alfredo Binda I had a good feeling despite everything,” says Borghesi. “Milano-Sanremo will be a different race, and we’ll see what I can do considering my shape. I think it is great to have another women’s Classic on our calendar. Sanremo is an iconic race loved by all the people. I suffered from missing some nice races at the beginning of the season, so now I’m enjoying being back with the team.”
The 22-year-old knows all about the legendary finale.
“The Cipressa and Poggio are iconic names that remind me of all the times I watched the men’s Milano-Sanremo on TV,” she says. “It’s breathtaking every time because anything could happen both on the climb and the downhill, a real spectacle.”
