The Milan–Turin is the oldest cycling race in the world. Born on May 25, 1876, on the initiative of the Veloce Club Milano, it represents the very origin of road cycling: eight starters, four finishers, bicycles, and over ten hours of racing to cover approximately 150 kilometres. The winner was Paolo Magretti, the first name inscribed in a roll of honour that spans a century and a half of history.
This morning, many big names suitable for a demanding finale lined up in Rho, with the double ascent of Superga likely to be decisive and to crown the winner of the 107th edition.
Reigning winner Isaac Del Toro is not on the start list for the 2026 Milan–Turin: the Mexican rider, fresh from victories at the UAE Tour and Tirreno–Adriatico and having reportedly been in less-than-ideal physical condition in recent days, does not appear in the official start list.
Among the main favourites is a pair of teammates, both standout performers in the recently concluded Tirreno–Adriatico, namely Primož Roglič—winner of the 2021 edition—and Giulio Pellizzari.
The rider from Marche will face his main rivals in two climbers who are always very strong on uphill finishes, such as Tom Pidcock and Derek Gee. The “Race of the Two Seas” also saw Tobias Halland Johannessen in excellent form; he finished third at Superga last year, while Michael Storer placed 10th in 2025.
Also on the start list from last year’s top 10 are Einer Rubio (5th), Anders Halland Johannessen (6th), Jefferson Cepeda (7th), and Lorenzo Fortunato (8th). Riders to watch include Jan Christen, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Cian Uijtdebroeks, and Paul Double.
The lineup also features two former winners of the race: Diego Ulissi (2013) and Alberto Bettiol (2024).
The 2026 edition is featuring a series of initiatives linked to its remarkable anniversary. Until March 18, an exhibition celebrating the 150 years of the Milan–Turin is on display at the gates of the Mole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Museum.
The exhibition brings together historic photographs of the race, as well as pages from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera dedicated to the oldest Classic race in the world.
In the historical narrative of the Milan–Turin, unforgettable heroic champions resurface: the most successful rider is Costante Girardengo, with five victories (1914, 1915, 1919, 1920, and 1923). “Il Gira” also won six editions of the Milan–Sanremo.
Fifteen different countries have claimed victory in the race, and in the most recent edition Isaac Del Toro became the first Mexican winner. Over the last five years, in addition to Mexico, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands have also entered the roll of honour for the first time.
The youngest winner remains Giovanni Gerbi, who triumphed in 1903 at the age of 17 years, 11 months, and 20 days. It is worth remembering that Gerbi, from Asti, was the first “heroic” champion, famous for his rivalry with Giovanni Cuniolo from Tortona.
Cuniolo participated in the Milan–Turin without ever managing to win, achieving his best result with second place in the 1905 edition, behind Milan’s Giovanni Rossignoli. The Gerbi–Cuniolo rivalry thrilled fans of the time and is likely the first rivalry in cycling history. It is documented in a virtual exhibition promoted by the twin museums “Alessandria Città delle Biciclette” and the Madonna del Ghisallo Museum. “at this link
Start in Rho and a grand finale after 174 km in front of the Basilica. Big names are on the start list, including Primož Roglič, Giulio Pellizzari, Tom Pidcock, Derek Gee, Tobias Halland Johannessen, Michael Storer, Cian Uijtdebroeks, and Jan Christen.
Live TV coverage on Rai Sport, Eurosport, Discovery+ and HBO Max starting at 2:20 p.m.
