Few events in cycling can match the heritage of Milano-Torino. First organised in 1876, it is widely recognised as the oldest race in the sport’s history.
While the race has changed dates several times during its long history, it has, in recent years, settled into its modern role as a March one-day race in the build-up to Milano-Sanremo. The modern route often culminates with the steep climb to Superga, which has turned the finale into a showdown for climbers and punchy classics specialists.
Recent editions have produced a wide variety of winners depending on the route design. Among the most recent victors are Isaac del Toro in 2025, Alberto Bettiol in 2024 and Arvid de Kleijn in 2023. Earlier winners in the modern era include Mark Cavendish and Primoz Roglic, highlighting how different parcours designs have shaped the outcome of the race.The 2026 edition features a strong lineup led by Primoz Roglic, who returns to the race he won in 2021. The Slovenian will spearhead the challenge for Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, where he is joined by rising Italian climber Giulio Pellizzari in what could become a dangerous two-leader approach on the Superga climb.Another major contender is Tom Pidcock, who leads Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. The explosive Brit has a skill set perfectly suited to steep uphill finishes and is widely expected to be among the most dangerous riders in the finale.
The startlist also includes highly rated young climber Cian Uijtdebroeks, who heads the challenge for Movistar Team, alongside experienced Ecuadorian climber Einer Rubio.
Elsewhere, UAE Team Emirates – XRG arrive with an intriguing lineup centred around the rapidly developing Jan Christen, while strong climbers such as Michael Storer, Wout Poels, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Magnus Cort add further depth to a competitive field.
With the steep slopes of Superga once again expected to decide the race, the 2026 edition looks set to deliver another dramatic chapter in the long history of Milano-Torino.