San Remo Cycling — Cipressa & Poggio Loop
About this Route
← Italian Riviera Liguria Cycling GuideRide the two climbs that decide Milan–San Remo — from San Remo itself. The route follows the Ligurian coast west to San Lorenzo al Mare, then turns inland to tackle the Cipressa (5.6 km at 4.1%) before descending and climbing the legendary Poggio di San Remo (3.7 km at 3.7%) back into town.
At 44 kilometres with 459 metres of climbing, this is a shorter but punchy route — perfect for a focused half-day ride or a warm-up day on the Riviera. Both climbs are famous worldwide from the spring classic, yet accessible to any fit road cyclist. The descent from the Poggio back into San Remo is fast and technical — the same road where Sean Kelly and Fabian Cancellara launched their winning attacks.
These are the two most famous short climbs in professional cycling, and riding them from San Remo felt like stepping into a spring classic. The route follows the coast west from San Remo for about 17 km -- flat riding along the Via Aurelia, hugging the Ligurian Sea. A warm-up, nothing more, with the anticipation building the whole way.
The Cipressa starts with a sharp right turn in San Lorenzo al Mare. It is 5.6 km at 4.1% average, but the character of the climb is what stays with you -- the road winds through olive groves and small villages, with the sea views opening up behind you the higher you go. When I rode this I kept thinking about the riders who have attacked here after 260 km from Milan. The summit comes almost suddenly, and the descent is fast.
Between the two climbs there are about 5 km of flat coastal road. When I was here I used this to recover and eat, knowing the Poggio was coming. The Poggio di San Remo is shorter at 3.7 km at 3.7% average, but with ramps to 8% it demands respect. The early hairpins are where the pain starts, and the upper slopes are the steepest. This is where Nibali launched his solo attack, where Mohoric went clear on the descent, where Pogacar accelerated away from the peloton.
The descent from the Poggio drops directly into San Remo -- narrow, technical, with blind corners that require concentration. The day I was here I came down carefully, but you could feel the speed that the professionals carry on this road. Via Roma at the bottom is the finish of Milano-San Remo, and arriving there on a bike made the whole day feel complete.
At 44 km with 459 metres of climbing, this is a half-day ride -- but the history packed into those kilometres is extraordinary.
Kilometre by Kilometre
Flat coastal riding on the Via Aurelia. Fast and straightforward — use this section to warm up. The road hugs the Ligurian Sea with views across the water.
5.6 km at 4.1% average. Starts with a sharp right turn in San Lorenzo al Mare. The climb winds through olive groves and small villages with sea views opening up behind you. The KOM is held by Tadej Pogačar — 8:49.
Fast descent from the Cipressa followed by 5 km of flat coastal road back toward San Remo. Recover here — the Poggio is coming.
3.7 km at 3.7% average with ramps to 8%. Short but decisive — this is where Milan–San Remo is won and lost. The upper slopes are the hardest. The descent is fast and narrow, dropping directly into San Remo.
The descent from the Poggio feeds directly into the centre of San Remo. Fast and technical with blind corners — follow the race route down to Via Roma, the finish of Milan–San Remo.
Gallery
On the Road
Route map & elevation profile
Key Climbs
Poggio di San Remo
Cat 4Watch the Full Climb
Highlights
- •Cipressa — a classic 5.6 km climb winding through olive groves with the Ligurian Sea at your back. It changed the dynamics of Milano–San Remo forever when added in 1982 and remains the tactical springboard for the finale.
- •Poggio di San Remo — a short, punchy 3.7 km climb with ramps touching 8% near the top. This is where the biggest names — from Nibali to Pogačar and van der Poel — have launched their winning moves.
- •The Poggio descent — narrow, technical hairpins dropping straight into San Remo. The same road where Mohorič gambled everything in 2022 — requires full focus and gives you a taste of race-pace handling.
- •Via Aurelia — the flat, fast coastal road between San Remo and San Lorenzo al Mare. It ties the loop together and is the perfect section to keep the power down or shake out the legs between climbs.
- •Via Roma — you finish in central San Remo, on the very tarmac where La Primavera is decided every March. Roll in, soak up the history, and enjoy the finish.
Must know
- ⚠Pista Ciclabile: The coastal sections follow an old railway line, now converted into a car-free cycle path right by the Ligurian Sea. You keep your rhythm without dealing with traffic — a noticeable difference from the Via Aurelia.
- ⚠Pro training ground: Ride in mid-March and you'll share the tarmac with pro teams sharpening their form before Milano–San Remo. Names are still painted on the Poggio tarmac — the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else.
- ⚠Logistics: Park in central San Remo near Via Roma. Since this is a loop, you return right to your start point.
- ⚠Facilities: Cafés and fountains in San Lorenzo al Mare and Cipressa village. One bottle covers the climbs, even on warm days.
Café & Water
- km 26Buona Vita
Cyclist-friendly bar-restaurant at the top of the Cipressa with secure bike parking. Opens at 12:00 — if you're riding early, this works as a lunch stop on the way back, not the way up.
- km 36La Vesca
Self-service pit stop right on the coastal cycle path near the foot of the Poggio. Open from 08:00 — coffee and a quick bite available early. Sea views and a natural stopping point after both climbs.
Frequently asked questions
- How hard is the Cipressa?
- It's 5.6 km at 4.1% average. The first two kilometres are the toughest, but after that it's steady and manageable for most fit cyclists. You climb to about 240 m. For context: Pogačar holds the KOM at a blistering 8:49.
- Is this the same route as Milano–San Remo?
- You're riding the grand finale. The loop takes you over Cipressa and Poggio, then down the technical descent into San Remo for the finish on Via Roma. The exact roads the pros use when the race reaches its boiling point.
- How steep is the Poggio?
- It's 3.7 km at 3.7% average. It doesn't look like much on paper, but after a few hours in the saddle, those ramps to 8% near the top make themselves felt. This is where the decisive attacks happen in the pro race.
- When is the best time to ride?
- March to October. March is special — Milano–San Remo atmosphere and comfortable 15–20°C. Summer gets hot on the coast, so September and October are often ideal: still warm days, far quieter roads.
- Where do I start and park?
- Start in central San Remo near Via Roma. It's a loop, so you finish exactly where you started. Parking is available in the centre.
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Route Details
- Country
- Italy
For cyclists with some experience. Noticeable climbs requiring fitness.