Trofeo Laigueglia 2026: Can Carapaz Make a Successful Season Debut? Tiberi, Cosnefroy, Gregoire, and Scaroni Among Top Contenders
On March 4th, the cycling world will gather in Italy for the Trofeo Laigueglia, a prestigious one-day race that marks the beginning of the season in the historic neighbor of France and Spain. The race, which has been held since 1964, is a 'must-see' for cycling enthusiasts, with a rich history of legendary riders.
The 192.2-kilometer course, starting and finishing in Laigueglia, is a challenging endurance and climbing test. Riders will tackle the Cipressa early in the day, followed by a crucial descent, and then a circuit that includes the Colla Micheri (1.9Km at 8.6%), just 9 kilometers from the finish line, which could be the catalyst for a thrilling sprint finish.
The final circuit will also feature the Capo Mele (1.5Km; 5%), a segment of the Milano-Sanremo route, providing a final ascent before the fast downhill finish into Laigueglia. This race is a strategic warm-up for the iconic Milano-Sanremo.
The predictions for the 2026 edition are intriguing. Romain Gregoire, Antonio Tiberi, Benoît Cosnefroy, and Richard Carapaz are among the top contenders. However, the race is expected to be fiercely competitive, with Christian Scaroni, Michael Storer, Marc Hirschi, Santiago Buitrago, and Antonio Morgado also in the mix.
The question on everyone's mind is whether Richard Carapaz, a former Giro champion, can make a successful season debut. The race promises to be an exciting spectacle, with the potential for a thrilling sprint finish or a strategic climb-and-sprint strategy. The Trofeo Laigueglia is a race that has witnessed the rise of cycling legends, and 2026 could be the year that a new star is born.
