.jpg)
Mark Cavendish and his brand new S-Works McLaren Venge bike tackle the first of the season's classic one-day races, and the longest, today (Saturday).
Riders in the Milan-San Remo compete over a distance of 298 kilometres, spending nearly seven hours in the saddle.
Yet the decisive action traditionally takes place in the final 50 kilometres of the race.
Often it's decided by those who survive the infamous Poggio climb, ten kilometres from the finish.
Cavendish, who was the winner in 2009, is among the pre-event favourites, along with Tyler Farrar, Oscar Freire, Alessandro Pettachi and world champion Thor Hushovd.
Boxing: Tyson Fury's sons part of Manx squad to face Merseyside & Cheshire
Cycling: Rider views sought on latest MTB series
Football: Manx quartet feature in Tranmere Rovers victory
Tennis: IoM team confirmed for 2027 Island Games