History, records and favourites in a complete guide to the 5 most important one-day cycle races of the season.
Milano Sanremo | 18 March 2023
At 298 kilometres, the Milan-Sanremo is the longest one-day race. It is often decided by a group sprint along Via Roma, although in recent years the pure sprinters have found it difficult to judge the risk and seal victory. The main difficulties are the Cipressa and the Poggio, climbs of around 200 metres’ elevation difference that, coming during the last 30 kilometres, can be used as a springboard by the most explosive attackers.
The record for the most victories belongs to Eddy Merckx with a total of 7, but Costante Girardengo also deserves special mention: the rider from Piedmont made the podium in 10 consecutive races between 1917 and 1926, including 6 victories, 3 second places and 2 third places.
Why you should watch it
The Classicissima is the first of the five Monument Classics, and it’s also the simplest. Many riders fancy their chances, but it’s nearly always one of the established stars who emerges on top in Via Roma after an unpredictable and high-adrenalin race. The only thing for sure is that in 2023 the kilometres between the Poggio and Via Roma in Sanremo will be some of the most spectacular, and in the end the rider with the right mix of endurance, explosiveness, cunning and uphill performance will come out on top.
Favourites for 2023
*** Wout Van Aert
** Mathieu Van Der Poel – Julian Alaphilippe – Peter Sagan
* Arnaud Demare – Caleb Ewan – Matej Mohoric
Tour of Flanders | 2 April 2023
260 kilometres, from Antwerp to Oudenaarde. The elevation difference is moderate, but the second half of the course is a killer. The elevation map has a jagged shape and the route is notable for a rapid sequence of walls: short, steep climbs, some with sections of pavé, make this a tough and spectacular race .
In history, as many as 6 riders have managed to win the Ronde three times, including Fiorenzo Magni and Tom Boonen.
Why you should watch it
In Belgium this is the sports event of the year, and the Belgian riders are practically unbeatable: out of 104 editions, 69 have seen a Belgian cross the finishing line in first place. But they have never won in the past five years, and a certain Wout Van Aert may well have his name on this race.
Favourites for 2023
*** Mathieu Van Der Poel – Wout Van Aert
** Julian Alaphilippe – Greg Van Avermaet
* Peter Sagan – Oliver Naesen – Mads Pedersen
Paris Roubaix | 9 April 2023
The Paris Roubaix isn’t a race, it’s a profession. To win it you need to know it by heart and judge the perfect moment to take a risk. Very few riders have won the Roubaix at their first attempt. The Roubaix is the Hell of the North – it poses no difficulties in terms of climbs, but 55 kilometres of pavé out of 257 kilometres overall break the muscles and the endurance of many participants.
The race ends in the spectacular Roubaix Velodrome, where the riders arrive strung out. Only 2 riders have managed to win the race 4 times: Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen.
Why you should watch it
In the previous 11 years, the winner of the Roubaix has always changed. The impression is that a new period of domination by Van Aert and Van Der Poel is on the cards, but only the road will decide.
Favourites for 2023
*** Wout Van Aert
** Mathieu van der Poel – Dylan Van Baarle
*Matej Mohoric – Yves Lampaert – Greg Van Avermaet
Liège-Bastogne-Liège | 23 April 2023
The Liège is the oldest of the Classics, with the first race dating back to 1892, and for this reason it is also known as the Doyenne. This race is totally different to all the Classics that come before it in the racing calendar, since it has an elevation difference of over 4,000 meters. A characteristic feature of the race is its côtes – climbs of a maximum of 4 kilometres and with average gradients of 8%. So it is climbers with a fast sprint in their racing toolkit who emerge on top. As in the Milan-Sanremo, Eddy Merckx holds the winner’s record, with 5 victories.
Why you should watch it
Because it takes class to win a race like this. The Liège can be won climbing, on the downhill or in the sprint, but each rider has only one shot to fire.
Favourites for 2023
*** Tadej Pogacar – Remco Evenepoel
** Egan Bernal – Primoz Roglic
* Julian Alaphilippe – Simon Yates
Il Lombardia | 7 October 2023
It’s the tough climbs that make Il Lombardia a hard race. About 250 kilometres in length and 4,400 meters’ elevation difference, this is a course for the thoroughbred climbers. Il Lombardia is the only Monument Classic to take place in autumn, hence its Classics name of Foglie Morte (the ‘Dead Leaves’). To win it you have to reach the end of the season still fresh and focused, because it’s impossible to come first by chance. This is demonstrated by the name of the rider who won it the most times, Fausto Coppi – the ‘Campionissimo’ – who crossed the finishing line on as many as 5 occasions.
Why you should watch it
Il Lombardia is the Classic that Italian riders have won most, as many as 69 times. In 2023 Nibali will no longer be there – who will be the next Italian?
Favourites for 2023
*** Tadej Pogacar – Remco Evenepoel
** Egan Bernal – Primoz Roglic
* Julian Alaphilippe – Simon Yates
