Olympic champion makes delayed season debut in Sanremo but skips cobbled classics

Kristen Faulkner will begin her 2025 season on Saturday at Milan-Sanremo. The Olympic champion from the United States is starting later than originally planned due to lingering effects from a concussion. After Sanremo, she will focus on the Ardennes Classics and the Vuelta a España, meaning she will skip the cobbled classics entirely.

"I finally feel better, which is such a relief," said Faulkner, who sustained a concussion in a training crash in December. "The recovery process had its ups and downs. I thought I was fine before the training camp, but I ended up having to leave early. The team decided it was best to set a timeline and wait until I was fully recovered, without any pressure to perform."

"It felt like I could let my body dictate the recovery process, so I really appreciate the team’s perspective. I never felt stressed about having to race again," she said. "Since I’m starting the season later than usual, I might actually have a stronger second half. I won’t be racing the Flemish classics and will instead focus on the Ardennes and the Vuelta. Milan-Sanremo will be a great chance to ease back into racing."

Read more below the photo!

Faulkner's main goals come later in the spring

The fact that the Alaskan rider is even able to race at Milan-Sanremo is already a big win for her. "Ever since I heard this race was being added to the calendar, I’ve wanted to be part of it. It’s really exciting to be part of the first-ever women’s Milan-Sanremo. Throughout my career, I’ve been able to take part in a lot of historic firsts—Paris-Roubaix, the modern Tour de France, and now Milan-Sanremo. Every year, new races are being added, which shows how much the sport has grown professionally."

So what can we expect from the Olympic champion in her first race? "I’m not the designated team leader. I want to make it to the final and be of use to the team. I’m very motivated because, in a way, Milan-Sanremo feels like the light at the end of the tunnel after my concussion." Faulkner particularly believes that her teammate Noemi Rüegg could go far in La Primavera. "She has started the season very well, so I’m really looking forward to supporting her. If we race well, we should definitely be able to achieve a solid result. I have a lot of confidence in her."

So for Faulkner himself, the big goals come later. "For me, the big targets come later. I’ll race Brabantse Pijl, Amstel Gold Race, and then the Vuelta. I really enjoy the short climbs in the Ardennes. Last year, I felt great on the Liège stage in the Tour," said the American. "I see the Ardennes Classics as a great opportunity. I haven’t looked at the Vuelta in detail yet, but I know that, in general, its stages suit my strengths."

Kristen Faulkner 2025 program

Milan-Sanremo
Brabantse Pijl
Amstel Gold Race
Liege-Bastogne-Liege
Vuelta a Espana

Read also

Week 11 for Wout van Aert, "problems" for Pogačar, and final preparations for Philipsen: How these Milan-Sanremo favorites spent their week

While his buddies suffer in the horror weather of Paris-Nice and Tirreno, Van Aert completes monster training in Tenerife

"The people who ruined me are paying a heavy price"; Wiggins back on track – thanks to Armstrong

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe