Nobody has ever come close to Colombo and Gontchenkov, not even the mythical pirate himself in 1999 despite insane moto pacing. It would be absolutely hilarious if we go sub 9:10.
It's still insane enough, if they do a time around 9:19.
2023:5,7 km@4,1%---9:45---average speed 35.08 km/h (80 riders peloton)
2022:5,7 km@4,1%---9:30---average speed 36.00 km/h (30 riders peloton)
1996:5,7 km@4,1%---9:19---average speed 36.71 km/h(Colombo-Gontchenkov)-RECORD
“Two years ago Davide Formolo did the climb in 9:30 and only 27 riders were left in the front group. Last year when it was 9:50, there were nearly 70 riders left. This year it’s possible to go under nine minutes. In my opinion, no more than 20 riders can do this. It is very complicated and there’s still 22km from the top of the climb but staying away from that point doesn’t just depend on Tadej but also his rivals. Full gas on the Cipressa, full gas to the Poggio, it’s a hard, hard race. but the plan is to win Milan-San Remo. Tadej is a super rider and we have plans for many situations,” he added.
Pogacar might be the only one in that peloton tomorrow, who can break the record. But then he will be on his own.