Paris (AFP)
Belgian Wout Van Aert (Jumbo) won the 111th edition of Milan-San Remo, the first great classic of the cycling season, on Saturday, ahead of Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe, winner last year.
Van Aert won with one wheel at the finish of the 305 kilometers of the longest of the classics.
The first chase group, settled for third place by Australian Michael Matthews ahead of Slovakian Peter Sagan, crossed the line 2 seconds behind.
In this "classicissima", postponed for five months in the heart of summer because of the pandemic, Alaphilippe ignited the race by attacking in the Poggio, the last difficulty, at the threshold of the last 6 kilometers.
Van Aert, who fell to the top at 4 seconds, returned to the descent and the duo fought for victory in the sprint.
Alaphilippe, barely seven days earlier in the Strade Bianche race won by Van Aert, added a new podium to his collection (3rd in 2017, winner in 2019).
On Saturday, the Frenchman was delayed by a puncture as he approached Cipressa, the penultimate difficulty. But he was able to take his place before the foot of this climb.
During this long sunny day, the morning break formed by seven riders (Bais, Boaro, Carretero, Cima, Frapporti, Mazzuco, Tonelli) had a maximum advantage of less than 7 minutes. The peloton took it back at the start of the last 36 kilometers, where the race returned to its classic course.
Van Aert, 25, removed his first "monument". Triple world cyclo-cross champion, the Belgian imitated Alaphilippe who also won the Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo last year.
"Alaphilippe played the blow very well. When he attacked, we had to hold on, hold on. There was no one behind me, I continued the effort," commented the Belgian.
© 2020 AFP