Milan-Sanremo 2026: Pogacar's Quest, Van der Poel's Challenge, and the Race's Final 60km Drama The 2026 cycling season is set to kick off with the 117th edition of Milan-Sanremo, the first Monument race of the year, on Saturday. Both the men’s and women’s races promise high drama, as they cater to a wide range of riders—from sprinters and climbers to puncheurs and rouleurs. The men’s race, spanning 300 kilometers, is renowned for its iconic final 60km, which features the challenging Cipressa and Poggio climbs. The women’s race, 156 kilometers long, follows a similar route, with the same dramatic conclusion. The reigning champions, Mathieu van der Poel and Lorena Wiebes, are expected to defend their titles, but both face stiff competition. Van der Poel, a dominant force in the men’s peloton, will aim to secure his third Milan-Sanremo victory, while Wiebes looks to extend her dominance in the women’s race. Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian world champion, is a key contender for the men’s title. Despite finishing third in the last two editions, Pogacar is likely to target the Cipressa climb again, hoping to outmaneuver Van der Poel and others. The race’s final 60km is often described as the sport’s most thrilling segment, blending technical descents, steep climbs, and unpredictable tactics. The Poggio descent, in particular, has become a focal point for dramatic moments, with riders pushing their limits. The 2022 victory of Matej Mohoric highlighted the excitement of such attacks, and the race’s unpredictable nature ensures that no single rider can be guaranteed a win. The men’s race also features a mix of favorites and underdogs. Tom Pidcock and Wout Van Aert are among the top contenders, with Van Aert’s past success in the race and his physical prowess making him a strong candidate.#tadej_pogacar #mathieu_van_der_poel #lorena_wiebes #milansanremo_2026 #cipressa_poggio_climbs
How to Watch Milan-San Remo 2026 – Live Streams and TV Channels for La Classicissima The 2026 Milan-San Remo, the first Monument of the season, will take place on Saturday, March 21. The men’s race begins in Pavia at 10:00 local time, concluding in San Remo at 16:55, while the women’s race starts in Genoa at 10:40 and finishes in San Remo at 14:29. The event will feature defending champions Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) and Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) in their respective races. Broadcast options vary by region. In the UK, viewers can watch the race on TNT Sports and Discovery+. TNT Sports 4 will televise the event, with live streaming available via Discovery+. From March 26, HBO Max will replace TNT Sports as the cycling broadcaster in the UK. In the US, HBO Max will carry the race, with Amazon Prime subscribers able to access it through Max. Canadian fans can tune in via Flobikes, which offers annual or monthly subscriptions. Australia’s SBS will provide free live coverage, while Italy’s RAI and Belgium’s RTBF will also stream the event. For international viewers, a VPN may be necessary to access regional streaming services. NordVPN is recommended for bypassing geo-restrictions, with a promotional deal offering 73% off and a free Amazon gift card. The men’s race follows a 298km route featuring the Passo del Turchino, coastal climbs like Capo Mele and Capo Berta, and the iconic Cipressa and Poggio finishes. Van der Poel will face competition from Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5), Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers), and others. The women’s race spans 156km, with the peloton tackling the three Capi climbs, Cipressa, and Poggio before the final climb.#tnt_sports #mathieu_van_der_poel #hbo_max #milansan_remo_2026 #lorena_wiebes
