On the eve of the first monument of the season in this particular context, a short review of favorites is required. The course, changed in its approach to Sanremo, could make the race more difficult, with the added bonus 7 additional kilometers, for a total of 299 km. What to imagine an eventful race, where everyone could have their chance…
Sprinters, punchers, Who's next ?
It is impossible not to quote Julian Alaphilippe, winner last year. The French will come to defend his title, but we haven't really been able to judge its shape yet, following its chaotic Strade Bianche. Doubt reigns all the same over his condition, just like Mathieu Van der Poel, also victim of a puncture at a key moment. So two favorites, but with a question mark that will make it difficult to read the race. On the sprinters side, Arnaud Démare made the powder speak the day before yesterday in Milan Turin by easily ahead of these opponents. However, Peter Sagan, Caleb Ewan and especially Wout Van Aert, seem to be at least as able to pass in the lead group Poggio and the difficulties that will precede the arrival in San Remo. For the editorial staff, le grand favori reste Wout Van Aert, after his thunderous victory on the Strade and his powerful sprint at Milan Turin (3e). But we can't rule out runners like Vincenzo Nibali, Alberto Bettiol, Philippe Gilbert or Oliver Naesen, who could try their luck on this particular edition. The excess at Deceuninck could also give openings to Bob Jungels or Zdenek Stybar, while we will also keep an eye on Sonny Colbrelli, very successful on its takeover in Occitania. We will also quote Fernando Gaviria, who regains an excellent level after contracting the virus, but also Michael Matthews, Niccolo Bonifazio or former winner Alexander Kristoff. Greg Van Avermaet seemed to show his limits on the Strade, but could still surprise Saturday. It will also be necessary to recall the presence of Elia Viviani, Matteo Trentin or Giacomo Nizzolo, who will seek to prove themselves to their advantage at home.
French side, Alaphilippe and Demare alone against all ?
If the favorites list is still difficult to establish on the “Spring”, this edition complicates things by this change of course and the climatic conditions which will also play an important role. But one thing is certain, french side, it will not be necessary to watch that these two men, because solid outsiders such as Nacer Bouhanni and Christophe Laporte could create a surprise.
Kwiatkowski, the challenge of the editorial staff
Si le favori reste Wout Van Aert, thanks to its very wide range of qualities, the Polish Michal Kwiatkowski has particularly impressed us these last days, especially on the Grand Tryptique Lombard. Former winner of the event, he has a solid knowledge of this classic and has proven his very good form this week by taking 4th place in the Italian event, after working for his leaders in the final. It will therefore be necessary to monitor it carefully, and don't give it too much scope, otherwise his rivals could well give up victory.
Co-written by Martin Duffaud and Guillaume Duvigneau
