CYCLING – THE first of the cycling year’s five ‘Monument’ races takes place today with the 116th edition of Milano-Sanremo in Italy.
Team Bahrain Victorious will be amongst a group of riders who will set off from the historic centre of Pavia and finish on the iconic Via Roma, 289km later. The distance of the route means ‘La Primavera’ maintains its tradition as the longest Monument and one of the most unpredictable races on the calendar.
Bahrain Victorious is no stranger to success in Sanremo, having celebrated two thrilling victories in eight appearances since joining the UCI World Tour in 2017.
Vincenzo Nibali took the title in 2018 and Matej Mohoric in 2022. Since his triumph, Mohoric has consistently sought another win, finishing in the top 10 in the last two editions, making it five top tens from eight starts. This year, he lines up once again as a key contender, despite a challenging build-up to the race.
“I had a difficult approach to Sanremo this year,” admits Mohoric. “I wasn’t at 100 per cent during opening weekend and then got sick just before Strade Bianche.
“Hopefully, I’ve recovered in time for the first Monument of the season. This race will always be special for me, having won it in 2022. My goal on Saturday is to focus as if I can fight for the win in the final, like in the last couple of years. Whether that’s possible with my current condition remains to be seen on race day.”
Despite the setbacks, Bahrain Victorious sports director Franco Pellizotti is optimistic about Mohoric’s chances.
“Matej has faced a tough few weeks, but his last training sessions have shown that he has recovered well,” said Pellizotti. “That’s important for his confidence. What he’s missing is racing rhythm, the chance to directly test himself against his rivals. But he has already won Sanremo without racing Tirreno-Adriatico or Paris-Nice, which gives him confidence.
“The beauty of this race is its unpredictability. Even a champion like Tadej Pogacar hasn’t managed to win it yet, proving how difficult it is. But at the same time, it can also be one of the easiest Monuments to win.”
Although Milano-Sanremo is the longest Monument, its most decisive moments are concentrated in the final kilometres. After the long approach through Turchino, at 136km, the race truly begins with the Capi, followed by the crucial Cipressa and Poggio climbs.
“Last year’s new start in Pavia didn’t change the race’s dynamic, and this year’s slight alterations in the initial kms won’t either,” Pellizotti continues. “The most critical point remains the Cipressa. It’s essential to be at the front, especially if the weather is bad. Fortunately, the forecast looks better for Saturday.
“If no decisive move happens there, then the Poggio will be the key moment. That’s where everyone expects attacks. Matej tried again to make the difference on the descent last year but was caught. Let’s see how it plays out this time.”
Alongside Mohoric, the team has a strong backup plan with Fred Wright.
“Fred has had a great start to the season, showing strong form at Paris-Nice,” Pellizotti added. “If the race ends in a sprint, we can count on him.”
Bahrain Victorious’ lineup for the first Monument of 2025 is a mix of experience and fresh talent, with two debutants Kamil Gradek and Edoardo Zambanini, Robert Stannard, Andrea Pasqualon (in his ninth participation), with road captain Damiano Caruso, who has ridden ‘La Classicissima’ 10 times already.
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