The Province of Pavia once again takes center stage in international cycling with the 117th edition of the race, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026. For the third consecutive year, the “Classicissima di Primavera” will start from Pavia, confirming the strong connection between the event and the local territory, which will once again be in the global spotlight.

The official start will take place in Piazza della Vittoria, the historic heart of the city, set to remain the starting venue also for the 2027 and 2028 editions. This continuity strengthens Pavia’s role as a key gateway to the race and as a strategic showcase for promoting the area.

The main change for the 2026 edition concerns the first section of the course. Due to works on the Bressana bridge over the Po River, the race will not pass through Casteggio. After the start, the peloton will head north to reach the Certosa di Pavia, passing through the surrounding countryside, before returning to the city for a second passage.

From there, the race will continue towards San Martino Siccomario, then on to Zinasco and Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi, entering the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, a land of rolling hills, vineyards, and authentic traditions.

The route will then cross Casei Gerola, Voghera, and Rivanazzano Terme, before leaving the province and heading into Piedmont with the traditional passage through Tortona.

This itinerary offers a genuine portrait of the region: from the Po Valley landscapes to historic towns and the gentle hills of the Oltrepò, delivering scenic images that will reach millions of viewers worldwide through international broadcast coverage.

The celebrations will begin the day before with one of the most anticipated moments for fans: the official team presentation, scheduled for Friday, March 20 at 5:00 pm in Piazza della Vittoria.

The event is a true open-air celebration of sport, giving residents and visitors the chance to meet cycling’s top riders and experience the unique atmosphere of the race eve. In recent years, the ceremony has attracted thousands of spectators, turning Pavia into an international stage even before the start.

Milano-Sanremo is not only a sporting competition but also a powerful opportunity to promote the landscapes and identity of the areas it crosses. The start in Pavia and the long stretch within the province highlight the richness of the territory: art cities, historic villages, river scenery, rolling hills, and a strong food-and-wine tradition.

For VisitPavia and the local tourism system, the race becomes a global showcase, reinforcing the image of the province as an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences combining nature, sport, and culture.

The passage of Milano-Sanremo 2026 therefore confirms the Province of Pavia as a key protagonist of world-class cycling and as a territory capable of blending sport, scenery, and hospitality into a unique experience along the roads of the Classicissima.

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