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Milano-Sanremo
Preview |
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The first monument and longest
race of the year is finally here. Poor road conditions due to
weather forced the removal of the new Pompeiana climb
reverting the route to a more sprinter friendly course.
The Course
You can view the profile
here
The first main test the Cipressa doesn't come until inside the
final 30km. The 5.6km climb has an average gradient of only
4.1% but reaches 9% towards the top. After a quick descent the
road flattens out for around 8km before riders start the
Poggio (3.7km at 3.7% average). While the gradient isn't steep
the peloton will already have been reduced by this stage. With
about 1km to the top the gradient reaches 8% providing an
opportunity for riders to attack. Over the top there is just
6.1km remaining, the first three are downhill before a flat
final 2.8km.
The Contenders
Start list available
here
Peter Sagan
He was the favourite last year but just missed out on the line
to a charging Gerald Ciolek. Probably could have won as well
in 2012 but had teammate Vincenzo Nibali in a three rider
group up the road. Targeting quality over quantity this year
and with the race his first big target expect him to perform.
Took a stage win at both the Tour of Oman and
Tirreno-Adriatico.
Mark Cavendish
Wasn't even going to race but when the Pompeiana was removed
his plans changed. With his focus on winning the first stage
of the Tour Cavendish is unlikely to be near his best. Took
his first win of the year at Algarve and added another in
convincing style on crash impacted final road stage of
Tirreno-Adriatico. It may be the last chance for the former
winner so expect to see Cavendish fighting to stay in
contention.
John Degenkolb
Has ridden the race twice in the past finishing 5th in 2012
and 18th last year. A race that suits him as a fast finisher
who can climb better than the pure sprinters. Took three
stages of the Tour Méditerranéen against limited competition.
Earlier in the month took two seconds and a stage win at
Paris-Nice showing good form.
Michael Matthews
Despite having two former winners Matthews is now the sole
leader for Orica-GreenEDGE. Matt Goss was not selected and
Simon Gerrans was a late withdrawal due to illness. A similar
rider to Peter Sagan and John Degenkolb although not
necessarily quite as fast. His climbing ability is his biggest
strength. Took chase after Carlos Betancur on 20% gradients at
Paris-Nice. Expect the entire team to rally around Matthews
and deliver him in a good position to the line.
Fabian Cancellara
Won the race in 2008 and has finished on the podium the last
three years - 2nd in 2011 and 2012 and 3rd in 2013. 5th in the
time trial at the Dubai Tour, 4th in Qatar and 2nd at
Tirreno-Adriatico indicating he has timed his form well. With
riders with a faster finish he will need to escape solo or in
a group with no sprinters.
Arnaud Demare
The former U23 World Road Race Champion had come in to his own
the past two year. 8 victories last year and just the one win
so far this year in Qatar but has been close to the mark on a
number of occasions including two top 5 finishes at
Tirreno-Adriatico.
Tom-Jelte Slagter
Took an impressive two stage victories at Paris-Nice and only
missed out on a podium finish when he was held up behind a
crash in the final km of stage 6. Doesn't have the pure speed
in a bunch sprint finish so expect to see him attack on the
Poggio and try and get away in a small group.
Sacha Modolo
Since joining Lampre-Merida at the start of the year Modolo
has taken a big step up. Has already taken four victories this
year including the final stage of the Tour de San Luis where
he beat Peter Sagan. Has ridden the race the last four years
and just missed the podium back in 2010. Has improved greatly
since then.
Gerald Ciolek
Was a surprise winner last year where he upset Peter Sagan.
The question is can he repeat the performance. Last year eyes
were off him but this year it will be different. Started
strongly taking a stage at Vuelta a Andalucia but has had some
illness issues since then.
José Joaquin Rojas
Rojas is always close but rarely gets the win. Has 9 top 10
finishes this year including two podiums. Finished 4th overall
at Paris-Nice after finishing top 15 on every stage and in the
top 5 in 4 of the 8. On good form and while he is a fast
finisher there is normally someone faster there. Has never
finished in the top 10 before but if there is a year for that
to happen it is 2014.
Greg van Avermaet
One of the most consistent classics riders but is another who
is often close but just misses out on that big victory. Just
missed out on the win at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and with the
first big classic now here expect van Avermaet to be
motivated. Has a solid finish but wont win against the pure
sprinters.
Andre Greipel
Wasn't initially planning to race but with the removal of the
Pompeiana plans changed. Started in his usual good form with
two stages at the Tour Down Under. Followed that up with 1 in
Qatar and another 3 in Oman. Took 3rd on the first road stage
of Tirreno-Adriatico. Has never finished in the top 30 before
but with this possibly his last chance to win expect to see
him motivated.
Daniele Bennati
Started the season strongly with three top 5 finishes at the
Tour of Qatar including 2nd on the final stage. Took 6th on
the hard uphill finish on stage 3 of Tirreno-Adriatico showing
he is on good form. A race he has done well in previously with
6th and 5th in 2009 and 2010.
Other names to watch: Vincenzo Nibali, Francesco Gavazzi,
Stefano Pirazzi, Sonny Colbrelli, Lars Petter Nordhaug,
Philippe Gilbert, Thor Hushovd, Yoann Offredo, Nathan Haas,
Sebastian Langeveld, Sylvain Chavanel, Heinrich Haussler,
Diego Ulissi, Tony Gallopin, Michal Kwiatkowski, Zdenek
Stybar, Simon Clarke, Daryl Impey, Bryan Coquard, Janse van
Rensburg, Alexander Kristoff, Luca Paolini, Bartosz Huzarski,
Edvald Boasson Hagen and Geraint Thomas. |
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