Analysis written by Sergio Yustos (@sergioyustos_) and Fantasy Tips by Cédric Molina (@ilcapoced)

ROUTE ANALYSIS

• Schedule: 11:30 – 16:05 CET
• TV start: 14:30 CET

More than 190 kilometers with almost 3200 meters of elevation gain await the riders at Trofeo Laigueglia, known by some as the “little San Remo”, as in the opening kilometers the race climbs Capo Mele, Capo Berta and Cipressa.

From there the race splits into two clearly different parts. The first features longer climbs, most notably Cima Paravenna (6.8 km – 5.7%) and Testico (7.2 km – 4.5%).

The second part is the final circuit, entered with 36 kilometers remaining. Two climbs stand out here: Colla Micheri (2.0 km – 8.6%) and again Capo Mele (1.7 km – 3.7%). The riders will complete three laps of this circuit, with the final passage over Capo Mele coming just 2.5 km from the finish.

There is one lap fewer than in previous years, but overall the circuit becomes harder with additional elevation.

WEATHER

The wind, predominantly from the east, could gradually increase in strength and therefore become a key factor. It would blow as a headwind on the climbs of Capo Mele and as a crosswind on the run to the finish, while being more favorable around Colle Micheri.

Rain and temperature are not expected to play a major role.

FAVORITES FOR VICTORY

Although the early part of the race becomes slightly harder, removing one lap of the Colle Micheri – Capo Mele combination should make the race slightly less selective. There is also no overwhelming favorite, which leaves the race quite open.

One team clearly stands above the rest: UAE Team Emirates. With Kevin Vermaerke, António Morgado and Benoît Cosnefroy, they may not have the outright favorite but they certainly have three strong cards to play.

Among the French riders, the main favorite could be Romain Grégoire, who perfectly suits this course.

Other contenders include Christian Scaroni, Gianmarco Garofoli, Antonio Tiberi, Richard Carapaz, Simone Velasco, Diego Ulissi, Alexandre Delettre, Quinten Hermans, Michael Storer, Santiago Buitrago and Marc Hirschi.

Riders who could benefit from the slightly easier finale include Álex Aranburu, Andrea Vendrame and Corbin Strong.

For a surprise result keep an eye on Davide De Pretto, Thomas Gloag, Matteo Vercher, Gustave Blanc, Alessandro Pinarello, Ludovico Crescioli, Tom Donnenwirth or Stefano Oldani.

My personal picks for a surprise are Simone Gualdi and Andrea Mifsud.

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IL CAPO CED’S FANTASY TIPS

💥 Il capo fact

In only 2 of the 62 editions there was no Italian rider on the podium: 1973 and 2021.

🌟 Capos to follow

1200; no Italian riders at this price.

1000; Antonio Tiberi

Excellent start to the season.

600; Christian Scaroni

A specialist in one-day races.

600; Andrea Vendrame

2 podiums + 2 top-10 in this race.

400; Simone Velasco

Scored fantasy points in 4 of his 5 participations.

200; Alessandro Pinarello

14th here last year and very good early season form.

📂 Riders with -10% who finished Top-10.

2025: 3
2024: 4
2023: 4 (including 🥇🥈)
2022: 3 (including 🥇)
2021: 2

📂 Among the 15 most selected riders by users: how many won, podium, or finished T10?

2025: 🥇🥈🥉 4 = (7/10)
2024: 🥇🥈🥉 3 = (6/10)
2023: ✖️✖️🥉 5 = (6/10)
2022: ✖️🥈🥉 5 = (7/10)
2021: 🥇🥈✖️ 3 = (5/10)

Final recommendation:

Italian riders are extremely important for this race. Since 2017, every year except 2021 has seen at least four Italians in the Top-10.