On March 22, 2025, the cycling world will witness another unforgettable edition of the Milano-Sanremo, the “Classicissima” of spring, now in its 116th edition. For the second consecutive year, the race will not start from Milan but from Pavia, making the route even more fascinating and highlighting one of the most characteristic areas of northern Italy: the Oltrepò Pavese.
The importance of Oltrepò Pavese in the route
After departing from Pavia, the race will wind through the Lombard countryside, passing through one of the most picturesque areas of the region. This is the Oltrepò Pavese, a land famous for its rolling hills, fine vineyards, and rich historical heritage. The riders will pass through towns such as Casteggio, Voghera, Rivanazzano Terme, and Salice Terme—places renowned both for their scenic beauty and their food and wine tradition.
With its winding roads and rural charm, the Oltrepò Pavese represents one of the first real challenges of the race. While the hilly terrain does not feature major climbs, its continuous ups and downs can favor early breakaways. Moreover, the passage through this area offers breathtaking natural scenery for fans and spectators who will gather along the route.
Towards the sea: the Turchino Pass and the descent into Liguria
After leaving the province of Pavia, the race will enter Piedmont, passing through Tortona and Ovada before tackling the legendary Passo del Turchino, the gateway to Liguria. From here, the long ride toward the sea begins, with a descent towards Genoa and the coastal stretch that will take the cyclists all the way to the finish line in Sanremo.
The decisive phases: Cipressa and Poggio
After riding along the Ligurian Riviera, the Milano-Sanremo will enter its decisive phase with the sequence of the Capi (Capo Mele, Capo Cervo, and Capo Berta) before reaching the most feared climbs: the Cipressa and the Poggio di Sanremo. It will be on the Poggio that the attackers will try to make a difference, taking advantage of the tight curves and the following technical descent to break away from their rivals.
The finish, as per tradition, will be on Via Roma in Sanremo, where a reduced sprint or a well-timed attack will determine the winner of the “Classicissima.”
A timeless race
The Milano-Sanremo remains one of the most fascinating and unpredictable races in world cycling. Its length, the route that winds through plains, hills, and the sea, and the adrenaline-filled finale make it a unique event, capable of delivering different emotions every year. Whether decided by a sprint or an attack on the final climb, the “Classicissima” remains an unmissable event for enthusiasts, fans, and cyclists from all over the world.
