75th Milan-San Remo 1984 (Italy)

Moser’s Great Form

Coming into the 1984 Milan-San Remo Francesco Moser was riding a wave of great form. In January Moser broke Eddy Merckx’s 12 year old World Hour Record in Mexico City and came to Milan ready to dominate. 

*Race profile courtesy of Internet site: www.econ-outlook.com.au/tom/cycling/palmares.html

The race left Milan under a cold rain with a light snow falling on the Turchino Pass. The slow pace of the peloton allowed several early breakaways to escape until Aussie Phil Anderson caught and easily passed a solo Elio Festa as the race turn along the Mediterranean Coast. For 75 kms Anderson worked hard to build a 3’40” lead. There were an additional 75 kms to San Remo and the determined Aussie was beginning to weaken. 

The chase was being led by Sean Yates (GBr) and on the climb of the Cipressa Anderson was caught. For most of the race Francesco Moser had been lethargic and struggle to hold the back of the group. On the Poggio only 5 kms from the finish he came to life. As Irishman Stephen Roche took the hill preme Moser attacked on the descent and escaped. Sean Kelly saw the move but hesitated and Moser opened a 100 meter lead. 

The gap continued to grow and Moser turned onto the Via Roma alone. Italian superstar Francesco Moser rolled across the finish line for the victory.  Sean Kelly outsprinted Belgian Eric Vanderaerden for second place.

M-SR 1983

M-SR 1985

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