One of the oldest races in the world: just three days before Milan-San Remo, Milano-Torino offered riders the chance to add a prestigious win to their palmarès.
There were clear favourites, such as Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe), though he was hampered by tendonitis, Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), and a late addition: Roglic (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe). Enough to spice up the race.
A breakaway of six riders set the pace early on, featuring Alessandro Milesi (Biesse - Carrera - Premac), Patrick Konrad (Lidl - Trek), Andrea Pietrobon (Team Polti VisitMalta) and three Frenchmen: Valentin Ferron (Cofidis), Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) and Adrien Maire (Unibet Rose Rockets). However, the peloton kept the breakaway firmly under control, with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe setting the pace.
Pidcock proves strongest
The escapees were almost all caught as the riders approached the first of two climbs up Bivio di Superga (4.3km at 9%). The last holdouts were soon reeled in. The peloton began to stir, especially Roglic and Pidcock, with the strongest riders at the front. Around 12 kilometres from the finish, an unexpected attack shook up the group: Adrien Boichis (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe) made his move.
The young Frenchman had a handful of seconds' lead as he started the final climb, but was soon caught. The pace was high, with Natnael Tesfatsion (Movistar Team) setting the tempo, and only about 20 riders remained in contention for the win.
Everyone was waiting to see who would attack, and it was Cian Uijtdebroeks (Movistar Team) who took the initiative.
At that point, only five riders seemed to be left in the fight for victory, and Roglic set his own pace: he launched the first attack at the red kite, countered by Uijtdebroeks, before Pidcock finally made his move.
The Brit dropped everyone, eventually cracking Johannessen, and rode solo to victory - as favourite, he lived up to his billing and crossed the line ahead of Johannessen and Roglic, while Pellizzari finished just off the podium. With three days to go before the first monument of the season, Pidcock has shown his form in Italy.