Milan-San Remo 2026: Which Big Names Are Skipping the Race?

With the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar in the men's race, and Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court in the women's, Milan-San Remo boasts an excellent lineup. Still, several top riders are skipping the first monument of the year for various reasons. WielerFlits lists them here.

Men

Matthew Brennan (Visma | Lease a Bike)

Despite his young age of only 20, Matthew Brennan was already considered one of the favorites for Milan-San Remo behind Van der Poel and Pogacar. Brennan had already impressed this year with wins in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and a stage at the Tour Down Under. However, illness threw a wrench into the plans of the top talent, forcing him to postpone his San Remo debut by another year.

Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)

In his seven years as a pro, Evenepoel has never raced Milan-San Remo. That looked set to change, as rumors late last year suggested the Belgian would make his debut in Il Primavera, albeit in a support role. Ultimately, however, he decided to skip Milan-San Remo again this year. For many cycling fans, this is no doubt a disappointment, as a strong Evenepoel could have given the race a completely different dynamic.

Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)

Last year, while still riding for Visma | Lease a Bike, Kooij finished eighth in Milan-San Remo, a result that undoubtedly whetted his appetite for more. This year, the Dutchman is not on the start list. In fact, due to a lingering viral infection, he has not raced a single event this season. His absence in San Remo is therefore no surprise but is a big setback for his team.

Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Premier Tech)

The Australian impressively finished fifth last year, shadowing his winning teammate Van der Poel. This year, however, Groves is skipping Milan-San Remo. This likely has to do with the already strong lineup of his Belgian team. With Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen, Alpecin already has two former winners on the roster. It is therefore not surprising there was no room for the speedy Groves, although San Remo suits his rider profile well.

Women

Marianne Vos (Visma | Lease a Bike)

The Dutch veteran was considered one of the top favorites for the second edition of the women's race, but due to her father's health situation, Vos had to withdraw from San Remo at the last minute. Last year, Vos finished second behind her compatriot Lorena Wiebes. At Strade Bianche, the 38-year-old made her season debut with a seventh place. A week later, she finished sixth at the Trofeo Alfredo Binda.

Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ)

The Italian champion is skipping one of the most important races on home soil. Longo Borghini has already shown good form this season with overall victory at the UAE Tour but is nonetheless skipping San Remo. Last year the 34-year-old raced the event and finished eleventh. This year she is focusing entirely on the Flemish classics and Paris-Roubaix.

Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ)

Last year, Vollering finished fourth, but this year the Dutch name is absent from the Milan-San Remo start list. This isn’t entirely surprising, as the relatively few meters of climbing and low gradient climbs make it difficult for Vollering to shake off faster riders like Wiebes. Having shown early form with wins at the Tour of Valencia and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Vollering is not expected back until Dwars Door Vlaanderen on April 1st.