Milan-San Remo Women LIVE - Wiebes the favourite as a large breakaway leads ahead of the climbs

Milan-San Remo Women is currently underway, with a large breakaway group establishing a significant lead over the peloton on the 156km route from Genoa to the iconic Poggio finale. SD Worx-Protime's Lorena Wiebes has been widely tipped as the pre-race favourite, a status that will be tested as the race approaches its decisive climbs and the chase intensifies towards the finish line in San Remo.

This inaugural edition of Milan-San Remo Women, while not a WorldTour event, carries immense symbolic weight, mirroring the prestige of its male counterpart. Wiebes's favouritism stems from her exceptional sprint prowess, though the Poggio and Cipressa often favour punchier riders or those capable of bridging late. The substantial breakaway suggests a tactical battle is brewing, with teams like SD Worx needing to manage their resources carefully to bring Wiebes into contention for the sprint.

Ultimately, the inclusion of a women's Milan-San Remo is a welcome, if long overdue, addition to the calendar. Now, let's see if the race lives up to the legend, or if the Poggio proves as decisive for the women as it so often does for the men.