Riccione > Cesenatico 192km

The 23^rd edition of the race, one that pays homage to one of the cycling greats. I grew up idolising Pantani, it was his climbing style which initially hooked me in, especially when compared to Armstrong. Yes, he doped, but that doesn’t stop me still calling him one of my cycling heroes, I simply loved the man. In a time where everything seems to be polarised as black or white, my love of Pantani lives in the grey zone. The route follows a similar path to previous years, punchy climbs in the middle, followed by a flat run to the finish. Michael Storer won solo last year, the Aussie will be back to try and defend his title, but it won’t be easy.