[dastardly00]

Can't find a specific thread about the race so here goes...

Unfortunately Milan-San Remo is on St. Patrick's Day this year so we'll have to try and squeeze it alongside the parade, tonnes of sporting events and a lot of drink But it's one of the main Classics during the season, and arguably Italy's most prestigious one-day race, so it's well worth the watch. It's live on British Eurosport at 13:40 tomorrow.

A few facts about the race:

• Milan-San Remo 2012 will be the 103rd staging of the historic 298km event, which is the longest one-day race, and Classic, on the calendar.
• The most successful rider is Eddy Merckx; winning seven times (record of victories in one single classic race).
• Generally flat, but does contain the Turchino climb (km 142) and Le Maine (km 204), along with the 'Capi'; a succession of five short but nasty bumps all located in the final 50 kilometres: Capo Mele, Capo Cervo, Capo Berta, the Cipressa and finally, the Poggio.
• Former Winners: 2011-Matthew Goss (Aus) HTC-Highroad; 2010-Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank; 2009-Mark Cavendish (GBr) Columbia-HTC; 2008-Fabian Cancellara (Swi) CSC Saxo Bank; 2007-Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank; 2006-Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Quick Step-Innergetic; 2005-Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Fassa Bortolo; 2004-Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank; 2003-Paolo Bettini (Ita) Quick.Step-Davitamon; 2002-Mario Cipollini (Ita) Acqua & Sapone.

The course:





Start List: Link

Favourites:

Mark Cavendish 3/1; Peter Sagan 13/2; Fabian Cancellara 13/2; Oscar Freire 12/1; Matt Goss 12/1; Edvald Boasson Hagen 12/1; Tom Boonen 14/1; Andre Greipel 14/1; Philippe Gilbert 14/1
(odds from Paddy Power)

There are so many riders that could win this race, it's almost impossible to call. The bookies reckon that Cav will survive the attacks and will be in the lead group descending the Poggio, with nobody being able to beat him in a sprint. It's hard to argue against that, but I think one of the other main contenders will manage to form a breakaway group from Cav, other than that I'm sitting on the fence

[Lumen]

Good luck to anyone trying to drop Cavendish. Even on his own he can go up hills when he has a reason to.

[TheBlaaMan]

Really looking forward to this. I foresee a family dispute over TV rights (I guess I'll be watching on the laptop then )

Its a pity Hushovd (and Chavenal) is a non-starter for this and, given that his form is good, its hard to bet against Cavendish if he gets thru the first 200km unscathed.

I've love to see Cancellara go on a banzai move over the Poggio and stay away to win, or Haussler to get his own back on Cav for 2009, but regardless, after nearly 300km and 7 hrs or so in the saddle, the winner will be a worthy one!

Kellys win in '92 is still one of my favourite pieces of sporting success.

[cycletheroad]

I would fancy Nibali to win.......he has superior descending skills if his their at the end, considering his recent form.........33/1 with paddy power is generous odds. get yer money on

[ednwireland]

cav

[morana]

Going for a complete outsider-bennatti

[Inquitus]

[corny]

Anything can happen but Cavs form is good enough and is team strong enough to make this another facile win. Simon Gerrrans as an outsider though.

[sy]

Sagan may be only 22 but what a talent. If he gets away from riding for Nibali he has a great chance of pulling off a big win. Haussler has still to prove himself a big winner and Tom Boonen is in great form as is Cav and Ballan. Gilbert is getting there however I think Cancellara is in the form of his life and will win his second MSR. Looking back at past winners( Merckx won 7 times) there have been very few outsiders that have won this great classic

[ROK ON]

Love to see Bonen win.

Head says Cancellara

[J Madone]

Cancellara all the way

[McTigs]

Originally Posted by TheBlaaMan

Really looking forward to this. I foresee a family dispute over TV rights (I guess I'll be watching on the laptop then )

and where would be the best place to do this?

[patrick151]

Who i'll be cheering(shouting at the TV for): Cav

Who i think will win it: Cancellara

Underdog whom i would like to win it: Haussler

[Beasty]

Originally Posted by McTigs

and where would be the best place to do this?

Do not post any details of illegal/copyrighted streams

(or any clues on where to find them)

Thanks

Beasty

[Stokolan]

Originally Posted by McTigs

and where would be the best place to do this?

Via Eurosport player probably the best way. Tis handy, €40 for the year ideal if you do any travelling.

Or Skyplayer if you have a sky sub.