Should the women look beyond Cipressa and Poggio in Milan-Sanremo? "That climb is still underestimated"

The first renewed edition of Milan-Sanremo for women is on the program this Saturday. The Tifosi will be hoping for a good day for one of the Italian favorites: Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) and Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek). The latter gave a press conference on the Tuesday before the race as a preview.

The 2021 world champion put herself in the spotlight last Sunday by winning the Trofeo Alfredo Binda in her home country for the third time. On Saturday, Balsamo will ride her first cycling monument in her home country, which brings up special feelings for the 27-year-old lady from Cuneo. "I still remember when I was a girl, and I would spend a whole day with my family to watch Milan-Sanremo together."

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Press conference Elisa Balsamo about Milan-Sanremo

Are you looking forward to participating in the first Milan-Sanremo?
"Actually, it's not the first edition because it was held twenty years ago. Our team leader, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, even participated then. So it's a good comeback on the calendar, and I'm looking forward to it. I have always enjoyed racing in Italy, and it's not far from my house, so my family can come too. I think it's cool."

What did Ina-Yoko tell you about the race?
"We are lucky to have her as our team leader. She rode with us during the recon and gave us important feedback. She thinks we can survive the climbs, so that's good to hear."

What does it mean for women's cycling?
"It is a major milestone. We have fought for a busier calendar in recent years, and now we are only missing a few. I am very happy with this addition. Everyone will also want to win immediately because, in a way, you are making history."

What are your own memories of the race?
"My parents are really into cycling races, so I remember when I was a girl, I would spend a whole day with my family to watch Milan-Sanremo together. I always looked forward to the Cipressa and Poggio, not knowing how the finale would unfold."

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Balsamo and Lidl-Trek leave nothing to chance

The men's race is known for its length, but this is not necessarily the case for the women. What do you think about that?
"To be honest, I think 160 kilometers is a decent distance. It is difficult for the organization to close off all the roads, so I am already very happy that the race is taking place. I don't care if it were 20 or 30 kilometers longer. The show won't start until the finale anyway because everyone will be waiting for Capo Berta, Cipressa, or Poggio."

How much would winning mean to you?
"Of course, it's a big dream. I feel good, and you never know what will happen. It's more or less the same as the Trofeo Alfredo Binda: it could go either way. I have to believe in it, and then we'll see."

What do you expect from the final?
"Everyone wants to win so we won't have a situation like in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. I expect a tough battle on the climbs. I think the attacks will start on the Cipressa. It will be a fast race from the start, but there is still a long way to go between the Cipressa and Poggio. There will be a race on the Poggio, too."

What would you see as your ideal situation?
"A sprint with a compact peloton, but I know all too well that I must survive the climbs and technical descents. The Cipressa and Poggio are difficult but not that tough. Sprinters and women in the classic should also be able to survive them. Capo Berta is still somewhat underestimated, in my opinion. That climb can also make a difference."

Do you know the final stretch well?
"Yes, I was already there in December. We have been here since Monday and will be ready on Saturday. We have also been working with someone for the descents, so we are ready for those, too. He is also here, so we can take the descents well. After all, the race is often decided in that descent."

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