Just 3.7 km long, the small bump of the Poggio, added to Milan-Sanremo in 1960, has become one of the most closely watched climbs in professional cycling, sitting just 7 km from the finish on the Italian Riviera.
A short but decisive climb
From San Lorenzo al Mare, it’s 3.7 km for 149 m of elevation gain, averaging 3.8%, with occasional ramps up to 8% near the top. Four tight hairpins liven up the first two kilometres before the road opens out toward the sea.
A historic tactical launchpad
Added by race director Vincenzo Torriani in 1960 to break up mass sprints, the Poggio has since become the stage for Milan-Sanremo’s decisive attacks, despite an average gradient that promises nothing exceptional on paper.
Getting the ride right
The moderate gradient means a standard compact chainset is enough; the real difficulty comes from the narrow road and the tight hairpins near the bottom rather than any sustained steep percentage.
When to go
Year-round, thanks to the mild climate of the Italian Riviera, though March to October makes the most of the view over the Mediterranean.
Good to know
Sanremo, at the foot of the Poggio’s descent, offers all the amenities of a well-established seaside resort, with the option of extending the ride along the Via Aurelia toward the French border.
