In cycling news, today we had the Strade Bianche. A relatively new race, Strade Bianche has quickly achieved WT status and is the first classic of the season on the WT calendar since this year. The recipe for the race hasn't changed, though, and so we were ready for an action-packed race once again.
The weather was perfect for a race like this. Sunny roads for the riders to try their luck in this beautiful race.
Alaphilippe, the favorite to win the race, attacked fifteen kilometers from the finish.
There was no immediate reaction! A few riders went looking for Alaphilippe, bundled together.
The troops of Cattelan Italia, lead by Italy's big hope Antonio Andolini, tried to chase down the attackers.
The Frenchman was too strong today, though, and he kept his gap to the finish.
A strong performance and an impressive win for him.
The sprint for the second place was more exciting, with Loic Vliegen from Orica taking second place and Diego Ulissi giving Italy a podium spot today.
While the top 3 riders are making their way to the podium, we found a relaxed Antonio Andolini at the team bus, ready to give a small post-race interview.
Antonio, a fifth place today. You don't look disappointed? Antonio Andolini: I'm not. It's only my second race of the season. Of course I would have loved to get on the podium, but I feel I got most out of today's race. Describe your sprint.
It wasn't ideal. The finish goes uphill rather steeply and I started my sprint a bit too early, fading away in the final 50 meters. It's the lack of race rhythm that's got me. Will you be ready for Milan - San Remo?
I think I will. I feel good, I just need some more rhythm. I'll be racing Tirreno and that should be enough to get me in perfect fitness for La Primavera. You look relaxed enough.
I am. Usually I'm less enjoyable before a race, but after a race, I figure what's done is done. No use worrying too much. We had a nice day today and I'm already looking forward to Tirreno - Adriatico. After a fifth place in Tirreno last season, are you going for the General Classification again?
Hard to tell. There are no heavy climbing stages, but there are no time trials either. It's mostly hilly. My main goal is to win a stage, but if I'm still in a good position halfway the race, I won't sit up and lose time just like that. Thank you, Antonio.
And another good result, but maybe the lack of rhythm hurt a bit. Maybe one or two races before the Strade would've given a better result in this race and I don't think it would have brought too much fatigue before MSR or the other classics.
You're definitely right, Selwink. Antonio is developing a reputation of not riding too many early races. Mostly starts in Italy and quickly goes on to Strade & Tirreno, where he usually "starts" his season with not too many race days on the counter.
Maybe something to work out for next season with the team management!
Welcome to Sportivo. Today we'll be here all day, from morning 'till evening. It's the big day, the Primavera, Milan - San Remo. Our broadcast started this morning with the start of the race, and now we're back from a little break with our guests. Both retired cyclists, Domenico Pozzovivo and Alessandro Petacchi, former winner of this great monument. Welcome to the studio! Domenico, how are you doing?
DP:I'm doing good. I'm slowly getting better. I'm still very disappointed to have ended my career like that, but I'm happy to be alive and I can be proud about my career.
(...)
So let's get back to your predictions. Domenico, what's your podium?
DP: Always a hard race to predict. But I'll have to go with Sagan, Kristoff,
Degenkolb.
How about you, Alessandro?
AP: I'm not going to agree with Domenico. The last two years we saw the sprinters couldn't control the race, so I think it's going to be another breakaway. But that only makes it harder to predict a winner. I'd have to say... Nibali and Andolini fighting for the win with Sagan winning the bunch sprint.
A bold statement, we'll get back to that later.
(...)
So, Alessandro, to get back to your favorites. What makes you believe in Andolini's chances today?
AP: He's been riding around in decent form ever since his first race, which he won incidentally. He seems more relaxed than last season and he's already won the race. That always makes it easier. But most of my judgement comes from stage 5 of Tirreno - Adriatico. Could we get the images on our screens?
I assume you mean this particular moment, when he split the peloton on a slightly uphill part of the race?
AP: Yes, indeed. He and Moscon just blew up the pack. But what happened then was even more impressive. He took Nibali, Henao and Bardet in his slipstream without even looking back. Not asking to relay, just keep pounding on his bike like a beast.
And then, of course, we all saw the finish. Keeping them all in line he sprinted to the victory from the front, never letting anyone pass him. I agree, Alessandro, that was a dominating moment from Andolini.
AP: Don't forget he also finished 5th in the GC, despite that uphill finish. No, Andolini is in fine shape and has a special connection with San Remo. Watch my words.
DP: I don't know if you happened to catch the second stage. He tried to avoid a mass sprint there with a formidable attack. In the end he lost out to the hard working peloton but it was close and the attack was a fine one, nobody else could follow.
I vaguely remember, yes. And then, of course, there's Nibali, winner of Tirreno - Adriatico.
(...)
Why don't we let Andolini speak for himself? Here's a recorded interview at the start line this morning.
Antonio, how do you feel today?
Well it's always great to be back here. It's a race I love very much. My form is good, so the legs should be fine today. You look different from previous years. What's changed?
I made some major changes this winter. I took some steps and made some adjustments where I lacked some professionalism, with a better focus, discipline and a drive throughout the entire winter. I had to let some things go in my life, make some sacrifices, but I think it's for the best. I'm turning 25 this season and physically I'm still getting stronger. Do you consider yourself a favorite for today?
You never know. I have fast legs in a small group, I can attack, I have options. So today's tactic isn't all about Fontana?
Francesco is a great sprinter and a dear friend, but in San Remo, I do my own thing. That's all discussed and there are no problems between us. Who do you consider your strongest opponent for today?
I'll definitely keep an eye on Vanmarcke, who has attacked here in the past two years. Once I profited and won, the other time he rode to the win, so he knows how to ride this particular race.
Besides him, I think the usual suspects. Kristoff, Sagan, Degenkolb. Best of luck, Antonio.
Awesome Tirreno and build-up to MSR, these Sportivo pieces have been beautiful and I think this is the best one yet. Still loving this story
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [PT] Xero Racing
The finale of this year's Milan - San Remo is very close, ladies and gentlemen. Only two riders remain in the breakaway, Txurukka and Capecchi. They're over the Manie now, and it looks like the peloton wants to catch them early. To wage war - perhaps?
(...)
Domenico Pozzovivo: I see Ratto taking the lead for Cattelan. He's a great addition to the team and it looks like they have confidence in Andolini or Fontana today.
Alessandro Petacchi: I agree 100%. He's a rider never afraid to go deep for his team mates. A rarity in the peloton these days.
(...)
... the three attackers, racing towards the foot of the Poggio now. Their names,
once again, Valgren, Vanmarcke, Thomas.
DP: And again that Vanmarcke. He's always here in San Remo. Every single year on the attack.
The peloton is not riding fast enough on the Poggio to cach the attackers. They'll ha... Wait! Antonio Andolini, I see the Italian Jersey making a move! He attacks!
The three leaders have kept off the Italian Champion and are now going downhill.
But Andolini is a master descender and could make up time in this descent!
Vanmarcke really has a major engine and he's shaken off his companions, accelerating once again. But there is the peloton! Can he make it?
By God, he has it! Just like last year, Sep Vanmarcke wins Milan - San Remo with a well placed attack. What a beast!
In the sprint for the remaining podium places, we have Kristoff winning the bunch sprint just ahead of Debusschere. We continue the top 10. In fourth,
Danny Van Poppel, then Michael Valgren, Michael Matthews, Bryan Coquard, John Degenkolb, Peter Sagan and on the tenth spot today, Antonio Andolini.
( Love your style of writing though 
