45th Trofeo Laigueglia changes dates

The 45th Trofeo Laigueglia will changes dates, and be held on a Saturday instead of its usual February 14 slot. The organiser of the Italian Classic – won in 2007 by Russian Mikhail Ignatiev – is making the shift to allow for better television coverage on the country's Rai channel. This year the Corsa Ligure will be held on February 23.

With the move, Rai confirmed it will be able to heighten the coverage for the race that is already a popular event amongst cycling fans thanks to its parcours and past winners. The course – 183.3 kilometres – includes two passes of the Passo del Ginestro (670m) and the Passo del Balestrino (690m). The Balestrino leaves 32 kilometres to the finish line on Via Aurelia.

The organiser is still confirming the riders who will line-up in late February, but they predict an excellent showing. The race boast a strong list of foreign (Eddy Merckx, Freddy Maertens, Roger De Vlaeminck, Lance Armstrong, Johan Museeuw) and home (Giuseppe Saronni, Michele Bartoli, Paolo Savoldelli, Danilo Di Luca, Filippo Pozzato, Alessandro Ballan) past winners.