We’re all familiar with the Milano-Sanremo, which kicks off the spring Monuments season, correct?

Now, envision preserving only the starting and ending locations while eliminating every stretch of paved road. 

Next, add a former WorldTour pro like Nathan Haas and the Backcountry Finale Ligure MTB crew. 

Lastly, blend in generous portions of gravel, dusty trails, and unpaved roads.

The outcome? An unconventional four-day journey from Milano to Sanremo. 

Discover the full route here.

Day 1: Milano → Rocchetta Tanaro

After leaving the Milano cathedral and pedaling through the city, the group headed towards Pavia and eventually reached the Ticino River region. Gravel roads, rice fields, ponds to cross, and fallen trees to avoid. After this, they enjoyed a nearly flat path that led them to a wine resort in Rocchetta Tanaro hills.      

Day 2: Rocchetta Tanaro → Ormea

The day commenced with a flat stretch of gravel roads, with occasional uphills and vineyards along the route. Then, a gentle ascent towards Ormea. Easy-peasy for Nathan, Finale Ligure crew to chase him. 

Day 3: Ormea → Rifugio La Terza

A 4x4 shuttle drove the guys to some tasty downhill trails near Uppega and Via del Sale, with the Finale Ligure crew in the lead. Then, the shuttle helped again in getting them to the overnight accommodation hut, Rifugio La Terza – and off to some well-deserved beers with a view. 

Day 4: Rifugio La Terza → Sanremo

The day began with an easy single trail, followed by a not-so-smooth descent to Molini di Triora, also known as the village of witches. Finally, the last 30km of the journey, mainly downhill or flat. In Sanremo, it was the time for a wrap-up, greetings, and a long-awaited swim in the Ligurian Sea.