Milan-Sanremo presented by Crédit Agricole and Sanremo Women presented by Crédit Agricole are drawing near, and today Sanremo experienced a day of major announcements. The Walk of Fame dedicated to the protagonists of the Classicissimas has been inaugurated at the cycling path beneath Corso Imperatrice. Along the walkway, the handprints of the 2025 winners have been placed: Lorena Wiebes and Mathieu Van der Poel, along with the roll of honor bearing the names of riders who have triumphed in the past: an emotional journey that will allow citizens, enthusiasts and tourists to retrace the achievements of the champions who have written unforgettable pages of this historic race.

The Walk of Fame was inaugurated this year with the aim of being able to collect the handprints of the winners of both races, following the return to the calendar of the women's event.

The initiative was attended by Alessandro Mager, Mayor of Sanremo, Alessandro Sindoni, Assessor for Tourism and Sport of the Municipality of Sanremo, Paolo Bellino, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events, the last two Italian winners of the Classicissima: Vincenzo Nibali and Filippo Pozzato, and Lorena Wiebes, who arrived at the ceremony after conducting a reconnaissance of the finish.

 STATEMENTS

Paolo Bellino, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events: "The Walk of Fame of Milan-Sanremo and Sanremo Women represents a concrete and lasting way to celebrate the history and values of a unique race in the world. The Classicissima is a story of achievements, emotions and great champions and championesses who have left their mark.

This initiative further strengthens the bond between Sanremo and its races, with a view to an increasingly strong legacy. For RCS Sports & Events, it is necessary to contribute to enhancing this heritage, looking to the future with the objective of continuing to grow the prestige of both races, also at an international level".

Alessandro Mager, Mayor of Sanremo: "With the inauguration of the 'Walk of Fame' dedicated to the great protagonists of the 'Spring Classicissima', Sanremo pays homage to one of the most extraordinary pages of its sporting history. The 'Milan-Sanremo' is not merely a cycling race: it is a heritage of passion, sacrifice and memory that for over a century has inextricably linked our territory to great international cycling. I thank Assessor for Tourism and Sport Alessandro Sindoni for the inspiration and for the important work carried out with RCS Sport: this installation represents a new symbolic place for citizens and visitors, a space in which to relive the achievements of the champions who have made the race legendary and who have contributed to bringing the name of Sanremo to the world. And the presence today of two great athletes like Vincenzo Nibali and Filippo Pozzato makes this tribute to the Classicissima even more meaningful".

Alessandro Sindoni, Assessor for Tourism and Sport of the Municipality of Sanremo: "The 'Walk of Fame' was created with the aim of celebrating the athletes who have written the history of the 'Milan-Sanremo' and of further enhancing the bond between the city and its most iconic race. Each handprint, each name tells a story of a challenge, an achievement, a moment that has entered the hearts of cycling enthusiasts: we will thus be able to retrace the achievements of the champions who have written unforgettable pages of this historic race. Our city deeply believes in sport as an instrument of identity, promotion and sharing. With this initiative we therefore wish to preserve the memory of the Spring Classicissima, strengthening Sanremo's image as a city capable of hosting events of international significance. Heartfelt thanks to RCS and the municipal offices that made the realization of this important achievement possible".

 Vincenzo Nibali: "The Walk of Fame is a great recognition, for me who have always dreamed of imposing myself in this race. Winning made an extremely difficult day fantastic given the weather that accompanied us from the start. I managed to attack alone on the Poggio and seeing those images again still moves me. On Saturday the tailwind could significantly increase the pace in the finale but I see the usual two as favorites: Mathieu Van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar".

Filippo Pozzato: "Being here is a great emotion, I lived nearby for many years and so it's a bit like being on the roads of home. Seeing my name alongside that of great champions makes me proud. Milan-Sanremo has always been an uncertain and thrilling race. It's a bit like a bottle of champagne, when it's uncorked it explodes in the finale. We have two great favorites who attract all the predictions, starting with Pogacar who, despite having other characteristics, always tries everything to win it and makes the last 30 km even more exciting and spectacular".

Lorena Wiebes: "For me it is an honor to be here at the Walk of Fame, to see the cast with my hands, and to be the first woman to place them, makes me proud of what I have accomplished. Saturday will be a new great challenge, but I am ready and I will have a great team by my side".

Francesco Moser: "Milan-Sanremo is the most important race on our calendar. In 1975 I finished second behind Merckx, a result followed by many placings. 1984 was my golden year: I finally managed to win it, and it is one of the most beautiful memories of my career. In that golden year I also won the Giro d'Italia. I have peasant origins, and after I stopped racing I decided to return to my roots, starting to produce wine with my family. After so many years it will be splendid to see the winner awarded with our sparkling wine 51,151, a significant number in honor of my hour record. This year we hope that an Italian returns to the highest step of the podium and with Filippo Ganna we have a good chance".