Pre-race preparations, the Mediterranean coast and a spectacular finish: Photos from a special day at Milan-Sanremo 2023

They call it many things – from the La Primavera to La Classicissima – and it is many things, from its meandering pastoral beginning, to its picture-perfect run along the Italian Riviera, to its explosive finale. Milan-Sanremo always produces a great winner, and this year’s race was more than a case in point, as Mathieu van der Poel produced one of his biggest rides to date with a blistering attack on the famed Poggio and a stunning solo victory.

In short, it was a masterpiece. 

Looking relaxed and confident, Mathieu van der Poel prepares for the team presentation on Friday. (Image: James Startt)

Defending champion Matej Mohorič chats with the press on the eve of his title defence. (Image: James Startt)

Peter Sagan prepares for his last Milan-Sanremo inside his Total Energies team bus (Image: James Startt)

This fan wearing a Marco Pantani team jersey gets a front-row seat at the start in Abbiategrasso, just outside of Milan (Image: James Startt)

A inspired rider initiates the early-morning break over the plains that fill the opening kilometres of this nearly 300-kilometre race (Image: James Startt)

The peloton tackles the opening pitches of the Turchino Pass midway through the race. (Image: James Startt)

Sicilian oranges and fresh strawberries can be found along the roadside of Milan-Sanremo. (Image: James Startt)

The breakaway makes its way through a mountain village on the Turchino Pass (Image: James Startt)

The peloton laces its way around the cliff of the Mediterranean Coast as the enter the final 100 kilometres of the race. (Image: James Startt)

With their gap dwindling rapidly, the breakaway accelerates (Image: James Startt)

Wout van Aert’s Jumbo-Visma team leads the chase along the coast roads towards Sanremo (Image: James Startt)

Attacking the mythic Poggio, Pogačar put the pressure on the other favourites. But once again he failed to establish a significant gap (Image: Bettini)

With a perfectly placed attack on the upper pitches of the Poggio, Mathieu van der Poel enters the descent with a clear gap (Image: La Presse/RCS)

With less than two kilometres remaining, Van der Poel solos through the streets of San Remo (Image: Bettini)

Arms raised as he crosses the line, Mathieu van der Poel rejoices in one of his greatest victories. (Image: James Startt)

Filippo Ganna surprised some as he led the charge for runner-up, finishing in front of Van Aert and Pogačar. His classics campaign is off to a good start. (Image: James Startt)

The taste of victory (Image: Dario Belingheri/RCS)

Luke Rowe turns the finish line into a family affair. (Image: James Startt)

Please welcome to the podium, the winner of this year’s Milan-Sanremo, Mr. Mathieu van der Poel (Image: James Startt)

Congratulations MVDP! (Image: James Startt)