Intro:

Norway's Alexander Kristoff won a bunch sprint to claim the Milan-San Remo title in Italy on Sunday (March 23).

Script:

The traditional first 'Monument' - or one-day classic race - of the cycling season was held in Italy on Sunday, with persistent rain welcoming the field for the 105th edition of the Milan to San Remo.


As the weather became more severe a number of riders faltered and fell off the pace, leaving only local favourite Matteo Bono out infront here, Maarten Tjallingii and Marc de Maar seemingly in the race.


However, Bono began to flag on the Cipressa climb, leaving Dutch duo Tjallingii and de Maar at the front.

Peter Sagan was the man leading the chasing pack, but his efforts were overshadowed by Vincenzo Nibali, who attacked the outside of the group and quickly pulled clear.

The Italian soon caught and passed Tjallingii and de Maar, but his attempt at a solo ride to the finishing line was pegged back by the chasing peleton.

With no rider able to pull away, the race came down to a sprint.

British sprint rider, Mark Cavendish, winner here in 2009, looked to be in his favoured position here.

However, Alexander Kristoff burst straight through the middle of the group in the final metres and powered to victory - the Norwegian from the Katusha Team crossing the finishing line in six hours, 55 minutes and 56 seconds.

Fabian Cancellara - the 2008 champion - managing second place ahead of Sky's Ben Swift in third, while Cavendish ended in fifth.