19 March 1960
Milano-Sanremo is named ‘La Classicissima’ for its history and status, indeed, but also because it has remained pretty much the same over the years.
The route has only changed a little since 1907. Perhaps the most significant modification was the introduction of the Poggio, back in 1960.
Torriani, the legendary organiser of the Giro d’Italia, had come up with this idea to liven up the race finale, where foreign sprinters would always sweep the competition. What would it feel like to include a tiny stinging climb just before the finish?
The Poggio still remains pivotal: here you can see whether or not the race is going to finish in a sprint.