Beyond the favourites: five riders who could surprise in Milan-Sanremo

An underrated name for Milan-Sanremo, and one with a strong track record in the race.

In 2021, he played a key role in Jasper Stuyven’s victory. After Stuyven had already gone clear, Søren Kragh Andersen bridged across and contributed to the move. Stuyven then attacked again and went on to win, while Kragh Andersen was eventually caught by the peloton.

A year later, he was among the most aggressive riders on the Poggio. When he attacked, only Tadej Pogačar could follow, briefly distancing both Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. The move did not stick, but it underlined his ability to shape the race. Moments later, Matej Mohorič launched his decisive attack on the descent.

In 2023, he was again in the mix at the front. He was the last rider able to hold the wheel of Van Aert, Van der Poel, Pogačar and Filippo Ganna before finally losing contact over the Poggio. He still had enough left to win the sprint for fifth, ahead of Mads Pedersen.

The past two seasons, however, have disrupted that momentum. A knee injury limited him in 2024, while in 2025 he missed the race altogether due to a severe saddle sore.

That run of misfortune has pushed him somewhat out of the spotlight. His start to 2026 was also far from ideal after a crash in the Tour de la Provence, but there were signs of improvement in Paris-Nice.

If he arrives in San Remo without setbacks, Kragh Andersen has the profile and the history to be a factor again. And if he is, he will not be hard to miss in the Danish national champion’s jersey.

His 2025 spring campaign never really got going. Illness first disrupted his build up, and just as he was finding form again, he fell sick once more before crashing heavily in the Tour of Flanders.

This season has not been straightforward either. He dealt with illness over the winter and again in the lead up to Strade Bianche. Still, there were encouraging signs in Tirreno Adriatico, where his condition appeared to be improving.

Milan-Sanremo suits him, and if that upward trend continues, he could play a significant role. With Lennert Van Eetvelt and Arnaud De Lie not lining up, he stands out as the team’s most credible option for a result.

A familiar surname, but Nicolas Vinokourov is beginning to build a reputation of his own.

The son of Alexandr Vinokourov has not followed the explosive path of some of his contemporaries, but his progression has been steady and convincing. Last season, he completed his first Grand Tour, and the signs suggest he has taken another step forward this year.

That was particularly clear in Paris-Nice. On the final stage, he finished ninth, a result that stands out given the level of competition and the nature of the race. More importantly, it pointed to improving form as the week went on.

With six days to recover, he arrives at Milan-Sanremo at the right moment. If that upward curve continues, he could be one of the quieter names to watch.

He has a sprint, he can climb, and he has the punch for short efforts. It is a profile that fits Milan-Sanremo almost perfectly, and one that makes him an outsider worth watching.

Ineos Grenadiers arrive with a clear leader in Filippo Ganna, but that does not mean they have to put all their cards on the table for him. Riders with Laurance’s characteristics can be valuable in a more open finale.

If the race comes back together, or if a larger group goes over the Poggio, he is the kind of rider who can sprint to a strong result just behind the very best.

Pau Miquel fits the profile that so often thrives in Milan-Sanremo. He climbs well, has a fast finish, and handles repeated efforts, making him an intriguing outsider for this kind of race.

After four seasons with Equipo Kern Pharma, he has taken a step up this year by joining Bahrain Victorious, a move that places him in a stronger and more experienced setup for races like this.

The team arrives with multiple options. Matej Mohorič brings proven pedigree in San Remo, while Edoardo Zambanini and Damiano Caruso add depth and flexibility. Behind them, riders like Ermakov, Borgo and Miholjević provide the support needed to stay well positioned heading into the decisive moments.