Zabel Wins Milan San Remo

Zabel Takes Milan San Remo

The breakaways were caught with about 50 km to go, and then a crash 5 km later took out a large group, including Marco Pantani. Sprinters Cippollini and Zabel were among those that avoided the crash. Multiple attacks gradually reduced the front group on the climb up the Poggio. Alberto Elli (Casino) was first over the top with a small gap, but on the descent a group of about 20 riders gradually clawed their way back up to him, including Erik Zabel of Telekom who took the win.