How Milan-San Remo was won

• Wednesday, 16 March 2011
• Cycling Weekly
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Cycling Weekly takes a look back at past 10 editions of Milan-San Remo see how the final outcome was achieved.

Although it is known as the 'sprinters' classic', the fastmen don't always have it their own way - three editions in the past decade have produced a winner from a late attack or attack on the flashpoint of the Poggio climb, situated this year 10.7km from the finish line.

For an in-depth preview of this year's race, including a detailed look at the race route, see Cycling Weekly's Milan-San Remo 2011: The Big Preview article.

2010
How it was won: SPRINT
Spaniard Oscar Freire timed his sprint to perfection having hidden in the peloton for the entire day. A group instigated by Filippo Pozzato broke clear on the descent of the Poggio, but were caught with 1.2km to go. The Rabobank rider showed the acceleration he's famed for, and duly took his third victory in la Primavera.

2009

How it was won: SPRINT

When Heinrich Haussler launched a long sprint and opened up a significant gap on the bunch, it looked like he had the race sewn up. But Mark Cavendish stunned Haussler by quickly making up the distance to catch and pass him on the line by a matter of centimetres.

2008

How it was won: LATE ATTACK

Fabian Cancellara launches a strong late attack, and none of the sprinters or their teams can match the time trial champion's turn of speed in the closing kilometres. As late attacks go, its timing was perfect.

2007

How it was won: SPRINT

Philippe Gilbert and Riccardo Ricco attack on the Poggio but are caught. Oscar Freire takes the bunch sprint

2006

How it was won: POGGIO ATTACK

Samuel Sanchez, Frank Schleck and Rinaldo Nocentini, Filippo Pozzato and Alessandro Ballan get away on the Poggio and stay away. Nocentini attacks with 600 metres to go but fades quickly. Pozzato of Quick Step counters with 300 metres to go just as the bunch is about to close him down.

2005

How it was won: SPRINT

Laurent Brochard tries a late attack inside the last 1.5 kilometres but it ends in a sprint, won by Alessandro Petacchi.

2004

How it was won: SPRINT

Igor Astaraloa and Samuel Sanchez are among those who try to get away on the descent of the Poggio but Petacchi's Fassa Bortolo squad keep a lid on things to set up the sprint. Erik Zabel thought he had it, but is pipped on the line by Freire.

2003

How it was won: POGGIO ATTACK

Luca Paolini of Quick Step attacks behind Danilo Di Luca of Saeco. Another Saeco rider, Mirko Celestino, and Paolini's team-mate Paolo Bettini go with it. Paolini, Celestino and Bettini stay clear, with Bettini attacking late to clinch the win.

2002
How it was won: SPRINT

Paolo Bettini and Giuliano Figueras attack on the Poggio but Acqua & Sapone bring it back to set up Mario Cipollini for the sprint.

2001

How it was won: SPRINT

Erik Dekker of Rabobank attacks with two kilometres to go but the sprinters prevail, with Erik Zabel pipping Mario Cipollini

Milan-San Remo 2011: Related links
Milan-San Remo 2011: The Big Preview