Elisa Longo Borghini has a very strong connection with Strade Bianche. It's a race she won in 2017 and has been on the podium 4 other times, first in 2015, the year the women's race was born, and then again in 2018, 2021, and 2024, when she finished second behind Lotte Kopecky. The rider from Piedmont particularly loves this race and today will race to win.

"I love this race and this year will be special because I'm racing with the Italian champion's jersey" – explained the athlete from Ornavasso – "racing on our roads is always beautiful, but doing it with this jersey is truly special".

Today the weather will be mild with sunshine, and for Longo Borghini, tackling this race without mud will certainly be positive. "The atmosphere with my teammates is very good, and I'm very familiar with the course, even though it has been slightly modified. The route has become more challenging, but I came here to win".

This year, for the first time, the Milan-Sanremo will also be raced by women, and the Italian champion is confident she can compete for victory in this race. "Regarding Milan-Sanremo, I'm happy that there is now an edition for women. It's wonderful news for the entire women's movement. I've always followed this Monument Classic because my brother raced it many times. It's a race with incredible charm".

In the Spring Classic, Longo Borghini wants to perform well and dreams of winning the first edition of this race, but if needed, she will help her teammates. "The finale of Sanremo is suitable for an athlete like me, but I also think it's suitable for my teammate Silvia Persico, and if the opportunity arises, I would also make myself available to help her win".