The Sanremo Women route seems perfectly suited to a rider with the characteristics of Lorena Wiebes. On short, not particularly steep climbs like the Cipressa and the Poggio, the SD Worx Protime rider is extremely hard to drop, and in a sprint there is simply no one who can match her.
Last year she won the inaugural edition by beating a group of around a dozen riders and, if the 2026 finale follows a similar script, it is hard to see who could trouble her. In that edition, Lotte Kopecky even worked for her in the finale, a scenario that could well repeat itself. The former world champion’s effort was crucial in neutralising the attack launched at the bottom of the Poggio descent by Elisa Longo Borghini, who will be absent this year due to illness.
Avoiding a sprint is possible, but it requires boldness and creative thinking, perhaps by attacking between the Cipressa and the Poggio. In that regard, riders to watch include Kasia Niewiadoma, Kim Le Court Pienaar, Puck Pieterse, Niamh Fisher Black, Monica Trinca Colonel, Juliette Berthet and Noemi Rüegg, who finished third last year.
Also keep an eye on Elisa Balsamo, seventh last year, and Ally Wollaston, Olympic silver medallist on the track, who seems to be improving year after year. If they crest the Poggio with something left, Chiara Consonni, Cat Ferguson and Linda Zanetti could also come into play.
