Milan San Remo 2011

One of the things I enjoyed most about the Milan San Remo on Saturday was the build up. Anticipation in the morning of the race was high. Riders were tweeting what they were having for breakfast while journalists were predicted the day’s winner. Cycling fans have a horrible time from October to January when there are no races, thus when the biggest race so far of the year gets underway, it’s received with great excitement.

It also didn’t disappoint. What a race!

A bunch sprint was predicted with names like Haussler, Hushovd and Farrar being thrown around. Friere, Cav, Gilbert, Cancellara and Goss were thrown into the hat. In the end, of the pure sprinters, Goss was the only one who made the final selection and won the race in fantastic fashion ahead of Cancellara and Gilbert. It was the first time an Australian won the race ever.

I want to highlight a couple of things you won’t see on the results page. The first being Michele Scarponi riding solo from the second group on the road to join what was left of the peloton. For a rider to bridge a minute gap on his own to a group containing of the best riders in the world, is phenomenal. I hope he’s put his Operación Puerto past behind him and this is being done in purity and honesty. If it is … hats off to you, Michele. I look forward to seeing him in the mountains of Catalunya, which starts in Spain today.

Vincenzo Nibali also attacked the peloton to ride up to the lead of the race. His pace was impressive. He certainly is a light bearer for Italian cycling in a dark tunnel that never seems to end.

It was great to see Greg van Avermaet in the thick of the action again. The 25-year-old nearly rode away and spoilt the party for everyone. He got caught with 5km to go, but the Belgian has had a quiet few seasons so it was great to see the aggression that has led him to win races in the Vuelta and in Qatar.

All in all the season is fully underway now. Matt Goss (24) is still trying to comprehend what has happened this past weekend (and this season with eight wins to his name so far).

Race radio or not, it’s been an exciting start to the season.

Love live ciclismo…