Milan San Remo is an epic race. Looonnnngggg. Once the climbs and dive bomb descents down narrow streets begin, it is an interesting race, but it's usually a long time to wait for a sprint finish. Not my favorite classic, but gotta respect the winner for you need the team to get you to the climbs, the legs to get over the climbs, and the watts to finish it off. That narrows the list considerably and pushes up the odds of a repeat from a previous winner (Repeat winners include Freire,Zabel-4 times!,Kelly, DeVlaeminck, and Merckx). Tough race for a longshot to win. Pozzatto's win came arguably cause everyone was markingBoonen.
So as far as strong teams. Quickstep,Saxobank, Rabobank make the cut. Cervelo as well, but with Haussler out it's one less card to play. Sky should be able to put together a strong team, but I don't think B-H is ready yet(maybe he pulls a Cav). Garmin have a stronger team, but Farrar is longshot
I want Bennati to win (nothing better than an Italian wining MSR!), but I think the winner will come from the quickstep/saxobank/rabobank/cervelo camp.
Hushovd,Bennati, and Boonen are my picks. Wild cards include Allan Davis, Gilbert, Flecha,and Kroon. Haven't really been nailing the predicitions this year, but maybe I will get it right soon.
and don't forget, something this can always happen
