2021 - another crazy year with covid restrictions everywhere! Despite this, the 112th edition of the classic Milan Sanremo race went ahead. Another slightly modified route, but still taking in the famous coastline including the 3 headlands, Capo Mele, Capo Cervo and Capo Berta and finally the two famous climbs of the region, Cipressa and Poggio.
In the end it came down to a last minute break from the bunch with the favourites on Poggio with just a few km to go. I have to admit my money was on Van der Poel but while they started to look around at each other on the final flat, Jasper Stuyven made a break for it and it took a few moments to long for anyone to chase! Despite Alaphilippe Van der Poel and Van Aert all being in the mix, it was Stuyven who crossed the line first, with Caleb Ewan taking second, Van Aert in third and Peter Sagan fourth. Van der Poel ended in fifth, while Alaphilippe was 16th!
Due to the restrictions we didn't do our usual final 50km and watch on Poggio. Instead we took a scenic and quiet route around the coastal mountains before taking advantage of the restrictions and finding a place as near to the finish line as we were permitted (still 300m away) where we watched them speed in to the finish. A fantastic race and we were lucky to be local and allowed to be there to witness it all! A truly fabulous one day classic!