Milano-Torino is not just a warm-up for Il Lombardia, it's one of the last chances for glory of the season, and with the dual ascents of the climb to the Basilica of Superga in the finale, it's one of the few one-day races that favours the pure climbers.
At 186km, the late-season race is a merciful distance, especially considering the largely flat run from San Guiliano Milanese to Torino.
Once the riders get inside the final 25km, however, the road tilts sharply uphill for the 4.3km climb of Superga.
It's a vicious shake-out, kicking up to 14 per cent gradients and averaging over 9.1 per cent, followed by a tricky, technical descent that leads the peloton back around to the base of the climb again.
This time, the riders go all the way to the summit, an extra 600 metres that still averages 8.7 per cent. It's no surprise that the race has been won by punchy climbers like last year's winner Miguel Ángel López (Astana), Alberto Contador in 2012, Diego Ulissi in 2013, Giampaolo Caruso in 2014 and Diego Rosa in 2015.
Lopez has called an end to his season, heading back to Colombia instead of defending his title, but Fabio Aru will take his place carrying the number 1 dossard.
