Milano-Sanremo

The first Monument of the international classics season retains its start in Pavia — the latest in a long line of great races that don't begin where their name suggests — and covers a gentle opening section to Novi Ligure, from where the long ascent of the Turchino begins.

From there, the descent towards the Riviera Ligure leads into the traditional route featuring the 'Capi' — Capo Mele, Capo Cervo and Capo Berta — before tackling the Cipressa (5.6 km at 4.1%) with around thirty kilometres to go, a climb that as recently as 2025 sparked fierce attacks; then the drop down towards Aregai and Arma di Taggia, a breathless approach to the Poggio di Sanremo, whose 3.7 km at 3.7% — and its vertiginous descent — decide who is in contention for victory on the Via Roma.