Cycling: Milan - San Remo, symbol edition

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By: Thomas-Sean de Saint Leger Follow

First big highlight of the cycling season this Saturday, August 8, in Italy, with the legendary classic Milan - San Remo, which, as its name suggests, starts from the capital of Lombardy, a region very hard hit by the coronavirus there a few months, also a region of enthusiasts of the little queen. A context that makes this 111th “Primavera” a highly symbolic edition.

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Summer has not chased away the virus, nor the memories of a black spring, but at least Milan comes back to life and the bike is back in the streets and therefore on the roads, with the “Primavera”, the great classic of March, shifted this year to August. Original, confusing, but after all, it doesn't matter. For Renato, owner of Rossignoli, a famous cycle store located in the heart of the city, the essential is elsewhere:

"  That this race starts, it's important, it's a symbol for all of Lombardy, which has suffered so much from Covid-19," he exclaims, putting on his mask. In addition, Milan - San Remo is organized by the Gazzetta Dello Sport which has its offices next to here, Via Solferino. It's a victory against the virus, at least we hope so. "

A victory also for all the riders at the start - finally! - the first great classic of the season. Originally from Lombardy, the experienced Jacopo Guarnieri is aware that he is participating in a very special race.

“  If we look at the romantic side of the thing, of course, it's strong, it's a great recovery, explains the pitcher Arnaud Démare (winner in 2016) within the Groupama-FDJ team. It's not going to relieve people, but at least give them some entertainment. It could represent something… Well, it could…  ”

Couacs in stock

“  It could  ”, because there was a hiccup, or rather hiccups: a sling from several mayors of the region of Savona, west of Genoa. For fear of large crowds along the roads, they refused the passage of the race in their cities, forcing organizers to change in extremis the course, avoiding much of the Ligurian coast.

“  We give a bad image of Italy, plague Jacopo Guarnieri. The politicians do not see the bicycle as a plus for the region, for their cities, they see us as a problem. It's a shame, Milan - San Remo, it's a legendary race, with a historic route. In addition this year the bridge of Genoa (which collapsed in 2018, editor's note) was rebuilt. In short: we missed an opportunity,  ”concludes, annoyed, and in almost perfect French the great Lombard.

A modest party

The party is not totally spoiled, but this 111th Milan - San Remo wants to be modest, context requires. On arrival, no communion with the winner is planned, the public will be kept away from the podium. Only a few lucky ones will be able to access an airlock located at a reasonable distance from the champions.

“  The important thing was to start again, explains the race director, Stefano Allocchio, but the riders must stay in a bubble, without external contact. For example, the winner will have to take the trophy himself. For him, it might be a party, but for the public, it might also be good to watch the race on television…  ”.

This very strict protocol should be applied to all the major races of the season, including the Tour de France, the start of which, it's a snap, will be given on August 29 from Nice, about fifty kilometers away. of San Remo.

Milan - San Remo, 299km, departure this Saturday August 8th at 11:10 am local time. Arrival expected around 6.30 p.m.

The favorites: Wout Van Aert (BEL), Fernando Gaviria (COL), Arnaud Démare (FRA), Sam Benett (IRL), Julian Alaphilippe (FRA, title holder)…

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