Milano–San Remo Cycling Route — Cipressa & Poggio

When I rode this I kept thinking about the 260 km the professionals have already covered before they reach these roads. The route leaves Menton heading east along the coast into Italy, crossing the border after just a few kilometres. The first 20 km or so is flat coastal riding -- nothing demanding, but the road follows the Ligurian Sea and there is a sense of building anticipation.

At Ospedaletti the road transitions onto a converted railway line -- a dedicated cycling path running 24 km along the coast to San Lorenzo al Mare. Smooth, flat, completely traffic-free. It is a unique section that I was not expecting, and a welcome way to cover distance before the real riding begins.

Cipressa launches from San Lorenzo al Mare -- the pink house at the start is unmistakable. The climb is 5.6 km at 4.1% average, winding through olive groves with sea views opening up behind you. Eddy Merckx, Fausto Coppi and Giuseppe Saronni all won Milano-San Remo having made their decisive move on this climb. The day I was here I could feel the history in the road.

After the Cipressa descent, a few kilometres of flat coastal road give you just enough recovery before the Poggio di San Remo. Short at 3.6 km but deceptively hard, with ramps to 12% and sharp hairpins that reward clean cornering. This is where the monument is decided each March -- Nibali, Mohoric and Pogacar have all launched their winning attacks on these slopes. The descent into San Remo is narrow and technical, dropping directly into town.

After a stop in San Remo, 30 km of flat coastal road returns you to Menton. A ride that covers two countries, a converted railway path, and the two most storied climbs in spring classics cycling.