The 2026 Milano–Sanremo, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, is set to be a thrilling spectacle in the world of professional cycling. This 117th edition of the “Classicissima di Primavera” will commence in Pavia, a city that has become synonymous with the race’s start, and conclude on the iconic Via Roma in Sanremo after covering a distance of 298 kilometers. (milanosanremo.it)
Race Route and Key Climbs
The route for 2026 introduces a slight extension, adding an extra 10 kilometers to the traditional course. After the start in Pavia, the peloton will traverse through towns such as Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi and Casei Gerola, rejoining the classic path at Voghera. The race will then proceed over the Passo del Turchino, followed by the coastal climbs of Capo Mele, Capo Cervo, and Capo Berta. The finale remains unchanged, featuring the Cipressa and the decisive Poggio di Sanremo, whose summit lies 5.6 kilometers from the finish line. (cyclingnews.com)
Favorites and Potential Outsiders
The 2026 edition is poised to showcase a competitive field. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck), the 2025 winner, is a strong contender aiming for a third victory. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), seeking his first win in this classic, has demonstrated impressive form, including a dominant performance at the Strade Bianche. However, the UAE team faces challenges with the recent injuries of key riders Tim Wellens and Jhonatan Narváez. (sport.quotidiano.net)
Other notable riders include Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), who has consistently performed well in this race, and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin–Deceuninck), the 2024 winner. Primož Roglič (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe), fresh off a strong performance at the Tirreno–Adriatico, could also be a significant threat. Emerging talents like Isaac Del Toro (UAE) and Tom Pidcock (Pinarello – Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) are expected to make their presence felt, with Pidcock’s descending skills potentially giving him an edge on the Poggio descent. (sport.quotidiano.net)
Italian Hopes
Italian fans are pinning their hopes on Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers), who finished second in 2023 and has shown he can keep pace with the best on the Poggio. Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) and Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana Team) are also expected to be in the mix, bringing experience and determination to the race. (sport.quotidiano.net)
Women’s Race: Sanremo Women
The Sanremo Women, now in its second edition, will start in Genoa and cover approximately 156 kilometers along the coast, culminating in the same challenging climbs as the men’s race. Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx – Protime), the 2025 winner, remains a formidable contender, with Marianne Vos (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) and Elisa Balsamo (Lidl–Trek) also in strong contention. Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) and Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) are expected to be key players, with Kopecky’s aggressive racing style and Longo Borghini’s climbing prowess making them threats in the finale. (sport.quotidiano.net)
Broadcast Information
For viewers in the United States, the 2026 Milano–Sanremo will be available for live streaming on FloBikes. Subscribers can access the race through the FloSports app, compatible with platforms such as Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV. The app is also available on iOS and Android devices. Replays and archived footage will be accessible to FloBikes subscribers for the duration of their subscription. (flobikes.com)
In Italy, the race will be broadcast live on RAI channels and streamed on RaiPlay. Eurosport and HBO Max will provide coverage across Europe, while in the United Kingdom, TNT Sports and Discovery+ will air the event. Fans in Canada can watch the race on FloBikes, and in Australia, SBS will offer live coverage. (milanosanremo.it)
The Milano–Sanremo 2026 promises to be a captivating event, blending tradition with the excitement of modern cycling. With a challenging route and a star-studded lineup, it is set to be a race that fans won’t want to miss.
Highlights:
- Milan-San Remo 2026 route, Published on Wednesday, March 04
- Milan-San Remo 2026: Everything you need to know, Published on Thursday, March 05