82nd Milan-San Remo 1991 (Italy)

“Il Diablo’s” Epic Victory

Grey skies with sheets of rain accompanied the start of the 1991 Milan-San Remo. The peloton rolled steadily across the flat plains of Lombardia before the first serious attack came from William Dazzani and Gianluca Zanini only 73 kms into the race. A major crash before the Turchino Pass split the peloton into to groups.

Counter-attacking groups escaped on the climb of the Turchino and a new lead breakaway of 11 riders formed in Savona with 115 kms to go. The breakaway gained a maximum lead of 4’15” before the peloton shifted into high gear. 

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

Approaching the Capo Mele Claudio Chiappucci attacked the breakaway group with Charly Mottet, Jelle Nijdam and Rolf Sorensen. A large crash slowed the chase as the breakaway hit the Capo Berta. Riding an inspired race Chiappucci accelerated again and dropped Nijdam and Mottet. Over the Cipressa Chiappucci and Sorensen held a 1’25” lead on the peloton, when a third crash disrupted the chase.

Halfway up the Poggio with Aussie Phil Anderson closing quickly on the break, the always aggressive Chiappucci attacked and dropped Sorensen. There were only 5 km to the finish and “Il Diablo” had a 27 second lead on Sorensen and 1 minute on the Anderson led peloton. 

Not looking back an emotional Claudio “Il Diablo” Chiappucci was urged on by the huge Italian crowd and crossed the finish line for the 45 second victory.

M-SR 1990

M-SR 1992

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