{"id":1834480,"date":"2026-03-18T19:24:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T16:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1834480"},"modified":"2026-03-18T19:24:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T16:24:40","slug":"can-the-sprinters-shut-down-a-poggio-attack-or-will-aggressors-seize-the-day-analysing-the-favourites-for-the-2026-milan-san-remo-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1834480","title":{"rendered":"Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T19:24:40Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders expected to battle at the newest Monument for glory on Via Roma and disrupt SD Worx-Protime duo of Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini, Lorena Wiebes and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney are among the favourites to win Milan-San Remo in 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Karlijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none 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mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"05cd78e1-a535-4c3c-a62b-e97cc37ffecc\">Last year&#8217;s return of the women&#8217;s version of Milan-San Remo, after a 20-year absence, was a rowdy rush of a dozen usual suspects for the 5.4-kilometre finale from the top of the Poggio to the line on Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>A surprise attack was made by Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), but sprinters ruled the day with Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) punching past Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) in the final 10 metres for the win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"05cd78e1-a535-4c3c-a62b-e97cc37ffecc-2\">A first glance at this year&#8217;s Monument reveals a replica of the 2025 course, the same 156.9 kilometres hugging the Mediterranean coast from Genoa to San Remo. The pair of climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio propel the action in the final 30km. Factoring in the start list full of puncheurs, sprinters and powerful one-day riders, there may be a different blueprint about to unfold in this year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Will podium spots be filled by sprinters Wiebes and Vos again? They both return as well as a cavalcade of challengers, while top finishers Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike) will be absent. The final start lists were still to be released by teams at the time of this writing, so we look at the riders we expect to contend for the first women&#8217;s Monument of the season.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-uae-team-adq\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"be75b99e-26ae-4a20-8f8f-77e720b42029\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team ADQ celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 14th Trofeo Oro in Euro 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"9aa21c70-8e24-460f-a77b-e53edcc49b62\">The Italian champion looked to be on her way to victory last year on Via Roma when she launched a solo attack at the bottom of the Poggio. A clear view of the finish line vanished with just 250 metres remaining, as Longo Borghini was swept away by a swarm of riders, led by Vos and then eventual winner Wiebes, to finish 11th. She will lead the UAE Team ADQ squad on a quest for a fourth career Monument win.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini fell one spot short of the podium at Strade Bianche to begin her Italian Classics campaign, but the following day made a statement by winning Trofeo Oro in Euro. She started the year with a victory on the Queen stage at the UAE Tour, which secured her second career GC title at that race. Experience and racing on home soil give her an edge if she can escape the sprinters.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"017b9b69-8dff-479c-a103-a6a0b4e71801\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek competes on the cobbles at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3349f839-d177-40fd-8cd7-94829b95219f\">Former world champion Elisa Balsamo is looking for her first victory of the season, and she&#8217;s motivated to make that happen on home soil. She was the top Lidl-Trek rider at Omloop Nieuwsblad to start the Classics season, however that was in 18th.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>She changed up her programme this year by racing in Spain, skipping Trofeo Alfredo Binda where she won last year. Balsamo took second on a punchy stage 2 at Vuelta a Extremadura to show the legs were coming around.<\/p>\n<p>At San Remo last year she finished in the bunch finish in seventh, so look for her show her love for one-day races and make a statement in Italy.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"43e51d98-1a05-44ee-8fe5-57c48decb0fa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx &#8211; Protime wins the revived Milan-San Remo women&#8217;s race in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"d18ae4e5-eca9-4e23-b976-e74b5a86f904\">The defending champion of the women&#8217;s reinstated Milan-San Remo is always a contender with a flat finish, but she has stated a repeat for this Spring Classic is &#8220;not a must-have&#8221;. What does that mean exactly? It means she may work for teammate Lotte Kopecky this time, as they look to share success in order to deposit more victories in the account for the team.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Are Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Longo Borghini ready to copy and paste last year&#8217;s success, or will they be challenged? \u2013 Analysing the UAE Tour Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wiebes has been by far the fastest rider in the peloton for several seasons, and this year already has three stage wins from UAE Tour Women, a victory at the 1.Pro-level Leeuw-Oetingen and third at Omloop Nieuwsblad.<\/p>\n<p>She stated earlier this spring that Amstel Gold Race was a big goal as well as opening stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Race day situations are unpredictable, but SD Worx goes in with formidable options with Wiebes and Kopecky.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"41fcda64-3325-49a2-8451-e456b1cab658\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) admires her second-placed trophy at Milan-San Remo last year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"f3f8fc10-1563-4f11-829d-2bd6e489cb98\">The ever-threatening Marianne Vos returns in a quest to add just a second Monument to her expansive palmares, having won Tour of Flanders in 2013. She proved last year that the late climbs weren&#8217;t too menacing and the technical run into San Remo was suited to her finishing speed, as long as she can hold off a rival like Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>Vos started her 21st season in Italy, going seventh at Strade Bianche and sixth at Trofeo Alfredo Binda. She&#8217;s the team&#8217;s leader should the race unfold again with a bunch sprint.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"94cab614-8c55-451b-b7e3-4926243d5d2a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx &#8211; Protime is all smiles on the podium after winning 2026 Danilith Nokere Koerse <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"4ca9ea1c-54af-4764-ae08-16f2d3c86c58\">Lotte Kopecky returned to her winning ways at the Wednesday&#8217;s Nokere Koerse, adding the Belgian race to her calendar between Italian races. She didn&#8217;t factor into top results at Omloop Nieuwsblad or Strade Bianche, but found a spark to finish seventh at Trofeo Alfredo Binda.<\/p>\n<p>Always aggressive and hungry to hit top form at Spring Classics, Kopecky made the trip to the mid-week one-day race to gain confidence headed into Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Last year the two-time World Champion ultimately positioned her teammate Wiebes for the win. With a victory notched in Belgium, her third at Nokere Koerse, she may be the SD Worx rider to go for glory this time on Via Roma.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\"><span>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"5c2fe5a9-974c-4b07-a93a-6070dc39e393\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto competes during to the 2026 Strade Bianche Donne, finishing second <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"dab941a7-5675-4ae5-bb99-2ee5cf85d377\">The Polish road champion enters the race motivated by two podiums in her first pair of Classic races this season, but she has stated &#8220;it&#8217;s not victory&#8221;. So far this season Niewiadoma-Phinney was runner-up twice, to Demi Vollering at Omloop Nieuwsblad and against Elise Chabbey at Strade Bianche. She&#8217;s not just primed for her first win of the year, but her first win since taking the road Polish title nine months ago.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s up for a repeat challenge across the Poggio, where she attacked last year. However, the 3.7km climb at just 3.7% was not tough enough for her to hold a gap and she trailed in 15th position behind a charge of sprinters.<\/p>\n<p>Without teammate Chlo\u00e9 Dygert on the team&#8217;s start list this time, the team&#8217;s top performer last year in sixth, Niewiadoma-Phinney will get support from Italian Chiara Consonni.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-puck-pieterse-fenix-premier-tech\"><span>Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9fe0715d-69c7-4604-95a6-9e07a1e5ae8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Puck Pieterse of Fenix-Premier Tech rides to sixth at 2026 Strade Bianche Donne <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7eec0920-9fc9-46c0-9410-bbcf698cdf0c\">The multi-discipline Dutch rider is still just 23, but in two full seasons at the Women&#8217;s WorldTour has firmly stamped a signature of consistency on the road, especially in one-day races. In 2024, she landed podiums at Ronde van Drenthe and Trofeo Alfredo Binda, and last year, she stormed to her first Classics title at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and second place at Li\u00e8ege-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, while taking top 10s at nine other spring races, including Milano-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>While she used her winter to focus on cyclo-cross, winning bronze in the elite women&#8217;s race at the World Championships, Pieterse has had a solid start with three Italian races so far and looked strong with a sixth-place finish at Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-karlijn-swinkels-uae-team-adq\"><span>Karlijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"381075f9-ed4f-40cc-9cee-37645bb99ad4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Karlijn Swinkels of UAE Team ADQ punches the air at finish line as race winner of 2026 Trofeo Alfredo Binda <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"ea2a08af-41aa-4ba0-915e-cb77c5c72c9b\">The Dutch rider is off to a stellar start in 2026, with wins at Trofeo Binissalem-Andratx and Trofeo Alfredo Binda. In fact, in seven one-day races so far this spring, she&#8217;s finished sixth or better in all but one of those races, with a sixth place at Omloop Nieuwsblad. It&#8217;s a tough call to say she would grab the glory ahead of teammate Borghini on Saturday, but she&#8217;s on form and gives the team options.<\/p>\n<p id=\"93625577-17ac-442b-8d8c-9d3dbf48cf6b\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Are Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Longo Borghini ready to copy and paste last year&#8217;s success, or will they be challenged? \u2013 Analysing the UAE Tour Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kristen Faulkner and Emily Ehrlich go one-two in time trial for Team USA at Pan American Road Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve struggled with it because I felt like I was more under the watchful eye&#8217; \u2013 Ur\u0161ka \u017digart opens up about handling attention and reaching potential with the belief of her team<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is different, it&#8217;s very explosive&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock says positioning at Cipressa, not good shape at Milano-Torino, is primary indicator for success on Saturday<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T19:24:40Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders expected to battle at the newest Monument for glory on Via Roma and disrupt SD Worx-Protime duo of Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini, Lorena Wiebes and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney are among the favourites to win Milan-San Remo in 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Karlijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none 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mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"05cd78e1-a535-4c3c-a62b-e97cc37ffecc\">Last year&#8217;s return of the women&#8217;s version of Milan-San Remo, after a 20-year absence, was a rowdy rush of a dozen usual suspects for the 5.4-kilometre finale from the top of the Poggio to the line on Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>A surprise attack was made by Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), but sprinters ruled the day with Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) punching past Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) in the final 10 metres for the win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"05cd78e1-a535-4c3c-a62b-e97cc37ffecc-2\">A first glance at this year&#8217;s Monument reveals a replica of the 2025 course, the same 156.9 kilometres hugging the Mediterranean coast from Genoa to San Remo. The pair of climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio propel the action in the final 30km. Factoring in the start list full of puncheurs, sprinters and powerful one-day riders, there may be a different blueprint about to unfold in this year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Will podium spots be filled by sprinters Wiebes and Vos again? They both return as well as a cavalcade of challengers, while top finishers Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike) will be absent. The final start lists were still to be released by teams at the time of this writing, so we look at the riders we expect to contend for the first women&#8217;s Monument of the season.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-uae-team-adq\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"be75b99e-26ae-4a20-8f8f-77e720b42029\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team ADQ celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 14th Trofeo Oro in Euro 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"9aa21c70-8e24-460f-a77b-e53edcc49b62\">The Italian champion looked to be on her way to victory last year on Via Roma when she launched a solo attack at the bottom of the Poggio. A clear view of the finish line vanished with just 250 metres remaining, as Longo Borghini was swept away by a swarm of riders, led by Vos and then eventual winner Wiebes, to finish 11th. She will lead the UAE Team ADQ squad on a quest for a fourth career Monument win.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini fell one spot short of the podium at Strade Bianche to begin her Italian Classics campaign, but the following day made a statement by winning Trofeo Oro in Euro. She started the year with a victory on the Queen stage at the UAE Tour, which secured her second career GC title at that race. Experience and racing on home soil give her an edge if she can escape the sprinters.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"017b9b69-8dff-479c-a103-a6a0b4e71801\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek competes on the cobbles at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3349f839-d177-40fd-8cd7-94829b95219f\">Former world champion Elisa Balsamo is looking for her first victory of the season, and she&#8217;s motivated to make that happen on home soil. She was the top Lidl-Trek rider at Omloop Nieuwsblad to start the Classics season, however that was in 18th.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>She changed up her programme this year by racing in Spain, skipping Trofeo Alfredo Binda where she won last year. Balsamo took second on a punchy stage 2 at Vuelta a Extremadura to show the legs were coming around.<\/p>\n<p>At San Remo last year she finished in the bunch finish in seventh, so look for her show her love for one-day races and make a statement in Italy.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"43e51d98-1a05-44ee-8fe5-57c48decb0fa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx &#8211; Protime wins the revived Milan-San Remo women&#8217;s race in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"d18ae4e5-eca9-4e23-b976-e74b5a86f904\">The defending champion of the women&#8217;s reinstated Milan-San Remo is always a contender with a flat finish, but she has stated a repeat for this Spring Classic is &#8220;not a must-have&#8221;. What does that mean exactly? It means she may work for teammate Lotte Kopecky this time, as they look to share success in order to deposit more victories in the account for the team.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Are Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Longo Borghini ready to copy and paste last year&#8217;s success, or will they be challenged? \u2013 Analysing the UAE Tour Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wiebes has been by far the fastest rider in the peloton for several seasons, and this year already has three stage wins from UAE Tour Women, a victory at the 1.Pro-level Leeuw-Oetingen and third at Omloop Nieuwsblad.<\/p>\n<p>She stated earlier this spring that Amstel Gold Race was a big goal as well as opening stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Race day situations are unpredictable, but SD Worx goes in with formidable options with Wiebes and Kopecky.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"41fcda64-3325-49a2-8451-e456b1cab658\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) admires her second-placed trophy at Milan-San Remo last year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"f3f8fc10-1563-4f11-829d-2bd6e489cb98\">The ever-threatening Marianne Vos returns in a quest to add just a second Monument to her expansive palmares, having won Tour of Flanders in 2013. She proved last year that the late climbs weren&#8217;t too menacing and the technical run into San Remo was suited to her finishing speed, as long as she can hold off a rival like Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>Vos started her 21st season in Italy, going seventh at Strade Bianche and sixth at Trofeo Alfredo Binda. She&#8217;s the team&#8217;s leader should the race unfold again with a bunch sprint.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"94cab614-8c55-451b-b7e3-4926243d5d2a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx &#8211; Protime is all smiles on the podium after winning 2026 Danilith Nokere Koerse <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"4ca9ea1c-54af-4764-ae08-16f2d3c86c58\">Lotte Kopecky returned to her winning ways at the Wednesday&#8217;s Nokere Koerse, adding the Belgian race to her calendar between Italian races. She didn&#8217;t factor into top results at Omloop Nieuwsblad or Strade Bianche, but found a spark to finish seventh at Trofeo Alfredo Binda.<\/p>\n<p>Always aggressive and hungry to hit top form at Spring Classics, Kopecky made the trip to the mid-week one-day race to gain confidence headed into Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Last year the two-time World Champion ultimately positioned her teammate Wiebes for the win. With a victory notched in Belgium, her third at Nokere Koerse, she may be the SD Worx rider to go for glory this time on Via Roma.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\"><span>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"5c2fe5a9-974c-4b07-a93a-6070dc39e393\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto competes during to the 2026 Strade Bianche Donne, finishing second <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"dab941a7-5675-4ae5-bb99-2ee5cf85d377\">The Polish road champion enters the race motivated by two podiums in her first pair of Classic races this season, but she has stated &#8220;it&#8217;s not victory&#8221;. So far this season Niewiadoma-Phinney was runner-up twice, to Demi Vollering at Omloop Nieuwsblad and against Elise Chabbey at Strade Bianche. She&#8217;s not just primed for her first win of the year, but her first win since taking the road Polish title nine months ago.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s up for a repeat challenge across the Poggio, where she attacked last year. However, the 3.7km climb at just 3.7% was not tough enough for her to hold a gap and she trailed in 15th position behind a charge of sprinters.<\/p>\n<p>Without teammate Chlo\u00e9 Dygert on the team&#8217;s start list this time, the team&#8217;s top performer last year in sixth, Niewiadoma-Phinney will get support from Italian Chiara Consonni.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-puck-pieterse-fenix-premier-tech\"><span>Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9fe0715d-69c7-4604-95a6-9e07a1e5ae8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Puck Pieterse of Fenix-Premier Tech rides to sixth at 2026 Strade Bianche Donne <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7eec0920-9fc9-46c0-9410-bbcf698cdf0c\">The multi-discipline Dutch rider is still just 23, but in two full seasons at the Women&#8217;s WorldTour has firmly stamped a signature of consistency on the road, especially in one-day races. In 2024, she landed podiums at Ronde van Drenthe and Trofeo Alfredo Binda, and last year, she stormed to her first Classics title at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and second place at Li\u00e8ege-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, while taking top 10s at nine other spring races, including Milano-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>While she used her winter to focus on cyclo-cross, winning bronze in the elite women&#8217;s race at the World Championships, Pieterse has had a solid start with three Italian races so far and looked strong with a sixth-place finish at Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-karlijn-swinkels-uae-team-adq\"><span>Karlijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"381075f9-ed4f-40cc-9cee-37645bb99ad4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Karlijn Swinkels of UAE Team ADQ punches the air at finish line as race winner of 2026 Trofeo Alfredo Binda <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"ea2a08af-41aa-4ba0-915e-cb77c5c72c9b\">The Dutch rider is off to a stellar start in 2026, with wins at Trofeo Binissalem-Andratx and Trofeo Alfredo Binda. In fact, in seven one-day races so far this spring, she&#8217;s finished sixth or better in all but one of those races, with a sixth place at Omloop Nieuwsblad. It&#8217;s a tough call to say she would grab the glory ahead of teammate Borghini on Saturday, but she&#8217;s on form and gives the team options.<\/p>\n<p id=\"93625577-17ac-442b-8d8c-9d3dbf48cf6b\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Are Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Longo Borghini ready to copy and paste last year&#8217;s success, or will they be challenged? \u2013 Analysing the UAE Tour Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kristen Faulkner and Emily Ehrlich go one-two in time trial for Team USA at Pan American Road Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve struggled with it because I felt like I was more under the watchful eye&#8217; \u2013 Ur\u0161ka \u017digart opens up about handling attention and reaching potential with the belief of her team<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is different, it&#8217;s very explosive&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock says positioning at Cipressa, not good shape at Milano-Torino, is primary indicator for success on Saturday<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T19:24:40Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders expected to battle at the newest Monument for glory on Via Roma and disrupt SD Worx-Protime duo of Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"05cd78e1-a535-4c3c-a62b-e97cc37ffecc\">Last year&#8217;s return of the women&#8217;s version of Milan-San Remo, after a 20-year absence, was a rowdy rush of a dozen usual suspects for the 5.4-kilometre finale from the top of the Poggio to the line on Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>A surprise attack was made by Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), but sprinters ruled the day with Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) punching past Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) in the final 10 metres for the win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"05cd78e1-a535-4c3c-a62b-e97cc37ffecc-2\">A first glance at this year&#8217;s Monument reveals a replica of the 2025 course, the same 156.9 kilometres hugging the Mediterranean coast from Genoa to San Remo. The pair of climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio propel the action in the final 30km. Factoring in the start list full of puncheurs, sprinters and powerful one-day riders, there may be a different blueprint about to unfold in this year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S3wLQsSdFyZtUhu4n62MLA-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Will podium spots be filled by sprinters Wiebes and Vos again? They both return as well as a cavalcade of challengers, while top finishers Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike) will be absent. The final start lists were still to be released by teams at the time of this writing, so we look at the riders we expect to contend for the first women&#8217;s Monument of the season.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-uae-team-adq\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"be75b99e-26ae-4a20-8f8f-77e720b42029\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HfBVU5BFKQnhjmzHEMw26M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team ADQ celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 14th Trofeo Oro in Euro 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"9aa21c70-8e24-460f-a77b-e53edcc49b62\">The Italian champion looked to be on her way to victory last year on Via Roma when she launched a solo attack at the bottom of the Poggio. A clear view of the finish line vanished with just 250 metres remaining, as Longo Borghini was swept away by a swarm of riders, led by Vos and then eventual winner Wiebes, to finish 11th. She will lead the UAE Team ADQ squad on a quest for a fourth career Monument win.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini fell one spot short of the podium at Strade Bianche to begin her Italian Classics campaign, but the following day made a statement by winning Trofeo Oro in Euro. She started the year with a victory on the Queen stage at the UAE Tour, which secured her second career GC title at that race. Experience and racing on home soil give her an edge if she can escape the sprinters.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"017b9b69-8dff-479c-a103-a6a0b4e71801\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vr9saPCHHAceSdtHiG6Aui-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Balsamo of Lidl-Trek competes on the cobbles at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3349f839-d177-40fd-8cd7-94829b95219f\">Former world champion Elisa Balsamo is looking for her first victory of the season, and she&#8217;s motivated to make that happen on home soil. She was the top Lidl-Trek rider at Omloop Nieuwsblad to start the Classics season, however that was in 18th.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-nskWLJXaMtNgFbWFivQvYo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>She changed up her programme this year by racing in Spain, skipping Trofeo Alfredo Binda where she won last year. Balsamo took second on a punchy stage 2 at Vuelta a Extremadura to show the legs were coming around.<\/p>\n<p>At San Remo last year she finished in the bunch finish in seventh, so look for her show her love for one-day races and make a statement in Italy.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"43e51d98-1a05-44ee-8fe5-57c48decb0fa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JM3hcV7g7eGe9zScUEk2CH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx &#8211; Protime wins the revived Milan-San Remo women&#8217;s race in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"d18ae4e5-eca9-4e23-b976-e74b5a86f904\">The defending champion of the women&#8217;s reinstated Milan-San Remo is always a contender with a flat finish, but she has stated a repeat for this Spring Classic is &#8220;not a must-have&#8221;. What does that mean exactly? It means she may work for teammate Lotte Kopecky this time, as they look to share success in order to deposit more victories in the account for the team.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7LdEppubQyNhAF9aYkB8um-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Are Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Longo Borghini ready to copy and paste last year&#8217;s success, or will they be challenged? \u2013 Analysing the UAE Tour Women contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wiebes has been by far the fastest rider in the peloton for several seasons, and this year already has three stage wins from UAE Tour Women, a victory at the 1.Pro-level Leeuw-Oetingen and third at Omloop Nieuwsblad.<\/p>\n<p>She stated earlier this spring that Amstel Gold Race was a big goal as well as opening stages of the Giro d&#8217;Italia. Race day situations are unpredictable, but SD Worx goes in with formidable options with Wiebes and Kopecky.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"41fcda64-3325-49a2-8451-e456b1cab658\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t98j4ML7sHS45ZhSWceJRo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) admires her second-placed trophy at Milan-San Remo last year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"f3f8fc10-1563-4f11-829d-2bd6e489cb98\">The ever-threatening Marianne Vos returns in a quest to add just a second Monument to her expansive palmares, having won Tour of Flanders in 2013. She proved last year that the late climbs weren&#8217;t too menacing and the technical run into San Remo was suited to her finishing speed, as long as she can hold off a rival like Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>Vos started her 21st season in Italy, going seventh at Strade Bianche and sixth at Trofeo Alfredo Binda. She&#8217;s the team&#8217;s leader should the race unfold again with a bunch sprint.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"94cab614-8c55-451b-b7e3-4926243d5d2a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ex4hFZcJaKe4HgmNmCz9iN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx &#8211; Protime is all smiles on the podium after winning 2026 Danilith Nokere Koerse <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"4ca9ea1c-54af-4764-ae08-16f2d3c86c58\">Lotte Kopecky returned to her winning ways at the Wednesday&#8217;s Nokere Koerse, adding the Belgian race to her calendar between Italian races. She didn&#8217;t factor into top results at Omloop Nieuwsblad or Strade Bianche, but found a spark to finish seventh at Trofeo Alfredo Binda.<\/p>\n<p>Always aggressive and hungry to hit top form at Spring Classics, Kopecky made the trip to the mid-week one-day race to gain confidence headed into Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Last year the two-time World Champion ultimately positioned her teammate Wiebes for the win. With a victory notched in Belgium, her third at Nokere Koerse, she may be the SD Worx rider to go for glory this time on Via Roma.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kasia-niewiadoma-phinney-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\"><span>Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"5c2fe5a9-974c-4b07-a93a-6070dc39e393\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dZAwfb3AsEHkunNHyL7zyY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto competes during to the 2026 Strade Bianche Donne, finishing second <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"dab941a7-5675-4ae5-bb99-2ee5cf85d377\">The Polish road champion enters the race motivated by two podiums in her first pair of Classic races this season, but she has stated &#8220;it&#8217;s not victory&#8221;. So far this season Niewiadoma-Phinney was runner-up twice, to Demi Vollering at Omloop Nieuwsblad and against Elise Chabbey at Strade Bianche. She&#8217;s not just primed for her first win of the year, but her first win since taking the road Polish title nine months ago.<\/p>\n<p>She&#8217;s up for a repeat challenge across the Poggio, where she attacked last year. However, the 3.7km climb at just 3.7% was not tough enough for her to hold a gap and she trailed in 15th position behind a charge of sprinters.<\/p>\n<p>Without teammate Chlo\u00e9 Dygert on the team&#8217;s start list this time, the team&#8217;s top performer last year in sixth, Niewiadoma-Phinney will get support from Italian Chiara Consonni.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-puck-pieterse-fenix-premier-tech\"><span>Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9fe0715d-69c7-4604-95a6-9e07a1e5ae8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NEqcjBZCvuHtktinRVFpHA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Puck Pieterse of Fenix-Premier Tech rides to sixth at 2026 Strade Bianche Donne <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7eec0920-9fc9-46c0-9410-bbcf698cdf0c\">The multi-discipline Dutch rider is still just 23, but in two full seasons at the Women&#8217;s WorldTour has firmly stamped a signature of consistency on the road, especially in one-day races. In 2024, she landed podiums at Ronde van Drenthe and Trofeo Alfredo Binda, and last year, she stormed to her first Classics title at La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne and second place at Li\u00e8ege-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, while taking top 10s at nine other spring races, including Milano-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>While she used her winter to focus on cyclo-cross, winning bronze in the elite women&#8217;s race at the World Championships, Pieterse has had a solid start with three Italian races so far and looked strong with a sixth-place finish at Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-karlijn-swinkels-uae-team-adq\"><span>Karlijn Swinkels (UAE Team ADQ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"381075f9-ed4f-40cc-9cee-37645bb99ad4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHtwaqfsSb3YdQFXYt4XXA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Karlijn Swinkels of UAE Team ADQ punches the air at finish line as race winner of 2026 Trofeo Alfredo Binda <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"ea2a08af-41aa-4ba0-915e-cb77c5c72c9b\">The Dutch rider is off to a stellar start in 2026, with wins at Trofeo Binissalem-Andratx and Trofeo Alfredo Binda. In fact, in seven one-day races so far this spring, she&#8217;s finished sixth or better in all but one of those races, with a sixth place at Omloop Nieuwsblad. It&#8217;s a tough call to say she would grab the glory ahead of teammate Borghini on Saturday, but she&#8217;s on form and gives the team options.<\/p>\n<p id=\"93625577-17ac-442b-8d8c-9d3dbf48cf6b\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/can-the-sprinters-shut-down-a-poggio-attack-or-will-aggressors-seize-the-day-analysing-the-favourites-for-the-2026-milan-san-remo-women\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-953-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Road Milan-San Remo Women Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women By Jackie Tyson published 18 March 2026 Riders expected to battle at the newest Monument for glory on Via [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1834480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834480","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1834480"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834480\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1834480"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1834480"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1834480"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}