The balance of power at Milan-San Remo, the first Classic of the year, is heavily skewed towards the sprinters. But to write the outcome off as predictable is to misunderstand the nature of the route and tactics, which are unlike any other race.

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Edward Pickering is a writer and journalist, editor of Pro Cycling and previous deputy editor of Cycle Sport. As well as contributing to Cycling Weekly, he has also written for the likes of the New York Times. His book, The Race Against Time, saw him shortlisted for Best New Writer at the British Sports Book Awards. A self-confessed 'fair weather cyclist', Pickering also enjoys running.