A long-anticipated moment for women’s cycling has finally been confirmed. From 2025, a women’s version of the prestigious Milan-San Remo will feature on the cycling calendar. The announcement comes after lengthy negotiations between RCS Sport, organisers of La Primavera, and the Trofeo Alfredo Binda, which traditionally takes place in the same March weekend as Milan-San Remo.
The agreement will see the women’s Milan-San Remo race held on the same day as the men’s race, while the Trofeo Binda will be moved to a week earlier, with the probable date set for Sunday, 16th March. RCS Sport CEO Paolo Bellino expressed his enthusiasm about the development in an interview with Tuttobici: “We’ve always been committed to supporting women’s cycling. In 2025, the women’s Sanremo will finally become a reality!”
The return of Milan-San Remo to the women’s calendar (the Primavera Rosa existed between 1999-2005) will bring it in line with other major spring races such as the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, all of which have already introduced women’s editions. However, unlike the men’s event, which stretches to nearly 300 kilometres, the women’s race will be somewhat shorter. Previous reports from Het Laatste Nieuws indicate the route will remain within the Liguria region, with the famed climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio expected to play a pivotal role in the finale. Genoa has been mentioned as the likely start point, though official confirmation is still pending.
For many, the most complex challenge was scheduling. The proximity of the Trofeo Binda to Milan-San Remo raised logistical and physical concerns, given that both events would demand a 350-kilometre transfer between them. The Ronde van Drenthe also sat between the pair of weekends, which would see WWT riders having to go from Italy to the Netherlands and then back to Italy within a couple of weeks. With the new arrangement, riders will have a week between the two races, allowing for a better balance in terms of recovery and preparation.
This change has been welcomed by the women’s peloton, many of whom have long advocated for a Milan-San Remo race. Annemiek van Vleuten, a vocal supporter of longer women’s races, told Algemeen Dagblad earlier this year: “Let’s start with 200 kilometres and go from there.” While the final route details are yet to be released, the inclusion of such a legendary race in the women’s calendar marks a significant step for the sport.
The shift in schedule for the Trofeo Alfredo Binda will also provide more room for both races to stand out, giving riders and fans the opportunity to enjoy two prestigious Italian events in March.
