This Saturday marks a historic moment for women’s cycling as the San Remo Women’s race returns after nearly two decades. The last edition, then called the Primavera Rosa, took place in 2005 and was won by German rider Trixi Worrack. The race was canceled the following year, but now, 20 years later, the women’s peloton is set to tackle the iconic Italian roads once again.
Not a single rider on this year’s start list competed in the 2005 race. Many were too young to remember it, and some weren’t even born. For the current generation, this is a chance to make history on one of cycling’s most legendary courses.
“It’s a race I’ve really wanted to do since I heard it was going to happen this year,” said Kristen Faulkner of EF Education-Oatly, the Olympic champion.
The race will begin at 10:35 a.m. local time in Genoa, with riders heading west along the Italian Riviera. They’ll climb the Tre Capi—Capo Mele, Cervo, and Berta—before tackling the famous Cipressa and Poggio climbs, mirroring the finale of the men’s Milan-San Remo, one of cycling’s most prestigious events.
For Italian riders, the race holds special significance. Elisa Longo Borghini, the Italian national champion, is eager to seize the opportunity. “As an Italian and the Italian champion, it will be an honour to take part in this race, which has a unique charm,” she said. “San Remo is part of cycling history, and racing those legendary roads will be an incredible experience.”
Elisa Balsamo, a former world champion and recent winner of the Trofeo Alfredo Binda, is another strong contender. She’s familiar with the course, having trained on the roads with teammate Ilaria Sanguineti, who lives nearby. Balsamo also received advice from her Lidl-Trek sports director, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, who raced in the 2005 edition. “She believes we can survive the climbs,” Balsamo said.
The final climbs, the Cipressa and Poggio, are expected to be decisive. “They’ll give the race its big show,” Balsamo added. While some have questioned whether the 156km distance might limit the spectacle, Balsamo disagrees. “A race can be really hard even if it’s not long. It’s the riders who make the difference,” she said.
Balsamo will face tough competition from riders like Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez), Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto), and world champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime). “Winning San Remo is a dream for everyone, especially for an Italian rider,” Balsamo said.
Twenty years after Trixi Worrack’s victory, a new champion will be crowned in San Remo. The race is set to conclude around 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday.
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