Plans are underway for a women’s version of Milan-San Remo, one of cycling’s prestigious spring classics, currently the only one without a female counterpart. According to Giro organisers RCS, they are looking to launch this event by 2025. The new race would feature iconic climbs such as Cipressa and Poggio, concluding in Sanremo, similar to the men’s event.
The course for the women’s race, however, would be shorter, ranging between 130 and 180 kilometres, likely starting in Genoa. This adjustment would allow the women’s peloton to tackle the same challenging final stretches as their male counterparts.
World champion Lotte Kopecky expressed excitement about the proposal: “I would think it was super cool,” she noted to Het Laatste Nieuws, reflecting a positive sentiment prevalent amongst female riders regarding the expansion of their racing calendar.
However, RCS faces a scheduling conflict, particularly with the placement of the Trofeo Alfredo Binda, a well-established women’s race traditionally held around the same period. Discussions are ongoing about possibly moving the Trofeo Binda to another weekend to avoid logistical and competitive clashes.
A key meeting of the Professional Cycling Council (PCC) within the UCI is scheduled for the end of May, where the proposal and potential dates for the Milan-San Remo women’s edition will be key discussion points. The cycling community is hopeful for a solution that will both elevate women’s cycling and respect the heritage of existing competitions.
