Milan-San Remo race guide

We take a look at what the peloton have it store for them during the longest one-day race of the season.

First run in 1907, few races on the cycling calendar provide the same mix of anticipation, passion and drama as Milan-San Remo (Sunday 22 March).

The longest of cycling’s fabled one-day Monuments at 293 kilometres, La Primavera is also considered the most open with pure sprinters, rouleurs and Grand Tour contenders all queuing up to taste victory.

The weather often plays its part in deciding that outcome, with storms, snow and sub-zero temperatures often contriving to make it as much a battle against the elements as it is against the riders. Heavy rain has been forecast again this time around, so we can expect another exciting and hotly-contested day of racing.

Team Sky are sending a strong squad, full details of which you can find by clicking THIS LINK.

Here, we take a closer look at the route the riders will face during the 106th edition.

Route

Milan-San Remo is not a particularly technical or hilly race, but the challenge lies in its immense distance. Heading out of Milan, the day begins with a flat opening salvo, dropping south to the coast before the first real obstacle is reached after 120km.

A breakaway should have formed by the Passo del Turchino. This gradual climb comes too early in the race to make it decisive, but the main contenders will need to be near the front as they emerge from its famous tunnel at the top. Crashes and foul weather often characterise the race as it reaches the greasy coastal roads.

Le Manie has been removed again this year, and that could prove a game changer as the climb used to weaken sprinters’ legs ahead of a lumpy last 100km. Instead, there’s a pan flat run in to the Tre Capi of the Mele, Cervo and Berta – three small climbs which mark the beginning of the end.

The famous Cipressa is crested with 20km to go and is often the scene of long-range attacks and a noticeable upping of pace. The peloton will be lined out as it hits the famous Poggio, and this climb is a drag race, with positioning vital over the top before the downhill run into San Remo.

Big risks will be taken on the switchbacks with just 6.1km left to race. A reduced group is often seen charging onto the finishing straight, which this year reverts back to its traditional setting of the Via Roma for the first time since 2007.

Ben Swift will lead the Team Sky charge on Sunday, and you can read his thoughts heading into this year's race via our exclusive interview HERE.