“12 Watts and a Somersault”: The Milano-Sanremo 2026 Breakdown

In this episode: A coastal battle from Genoa to Sanremo, the chaos of the Cipressa, and why your chain lube might be the difference between a podium and the bus.

The 2026 Spring Classics continue with one of the most prestigious—and longest—days on the calendar. Rosael Torres-Davis is joined by Molly Hurford and Anne-Marije Rook to break down a thrilling edition of Milano-Sanremo Donne. The team analyzes how the race was won (and lost) on the iconic climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio, including the tactical masterclass by SD Worx-Protime and the heart-stopping moments that thinned out the peloton.

We also dive into a high-stakes “Smooth is Fast” Pop Quiz sponsored by SILCA, testing Rook and Molly’s knowledge on drivetrain efficiency and why "dry lube" is a scam you should avoid at all costs.

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Milano-Sanremo Donne Recap

Cipressa Chaos: Analyzing the crash that took out Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and the terrifying somersaults over the barriers.The Poggio Selection: How Puck Pieterse exploded the race and who had the legs to follow.The Via Roma Sprint: Lotte Kopecky’s clinical patience vs. Noemi Rüegg’s grit.SD Worx Dominance: Lorena Wiebes celebrating a 6th place finish like a win—the power of team culture.

Tech Talk Pop Quiz: Powered by SILCA

Wax vs. Oil: Why solid lubricants are the secret to keeping a clean bike and a fast drivetrain.The Wattage Penalty: How a dirty chain can cost you 12+ watts when it matters most.Tie-Breaker (The "Sanremo" Special): Learn what kind of lube is best for wet conditions

SILCA

Supporting our tech segments and pop quizzes this season. From Secret Chain Blend Hot Melt Wax to the Super Secret Drip Lube, SILCA is dedicated to making every watt count through world-class engineering and a deep commitment to the growth of women’s cycling. Check them out at Silca.cc.

Ruckus Composites

The home of Queen Stage. Experts in carbon fiber repair, inspection, and engineering. Ruckus keeps high-performance gear on the road and out of the landfill by bringing damaged frames back to life with science-backed carbon repair.

In This EpisodeSponsors & Partners