Ever since his victory in the 2009 Milan-Sanremo, Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) has tried desperately to repeat that stunning performance. In three attempts he has been left disappointed, and as a consequence the first monument of the year is no longer a big goal for the former world champion.

Last year Mark Cavendish entered Milan-Sanremo with the firm objective of realizing a life-long dream: he wanted to cross the finish line on Lungomare Italo Calvino in Sanremo with the rainbow bands on his chest and his arms in the air. He meticulously prepared his attempt and entered the race in his best ever climbing condition.

The new climb of Le Manie was once again his undoing, and a deeply frustrated Manxman was seen struggling at the wheel of trusted teammate Bernhard Eisel way behind the main group. After failed attempts in 2010 and 2011, Cavendish reached the conclusion that the introduction of this particular climb made it impossible to win the race in the future.

As a consequence, this year's edition of La Primavera is not one of his major season targets. He made his thoughts public already at the Tour of Qatar in February, and his statements have certainly relieved the pressure on his shoulders. The Manxman has flown under the radar in the lead-up to the race where most attention has focused on Peter Sagan (Cannondale).

"There's not pressure from the team, it's always pressure I put on myself," Cavendish told at a pre-race press conference. "I mean, as my first goal of the year I once demanded the team be built around me, and things haven't paid off in the past. This year it's been completely different. I was obviously asked if I want to target this and I honestly don't want to target this. So the pressure just on myself has been a lot less."

He will still line up in today's race and will obviously go for a result if an opportunity arises, but he only sees his blistering sprint as one weapon in his team's arsenal.

"I think that's just one card we can play," he said. "I think it gives me an edge if it comes for the sprint, being the fastest man, but we have so many cards we can play. Chavanel was incredible at Paris-Nice. I think we've got a really strong team, but I think it will take a lot to outwit Cannondale this year. This many options has made me the most relaxed I've been between Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-Sanremo."

Much has been said about the weather forecasts. With rain, cold and maybe even snow expected, many predict an unusually hard edition of the race. On paper, this would be unfavorable to the Manxman, but Cavendish is adamant that he is used to such conditions.

"It's the same for the riders from Belgium as it is for those from the Isle of Man," he said. "It rains a lot, it's cold a lot. Nobody enjoys racing in the rain, but I think it's just normal. I think for those who ride in the warmer climates they're used to riding in the sun, and it's not nice to be riding in the rain. For me, it's normal to ride in the rain, nice to ride in the sun. It's not just me doing 300km either, it's 200 riders doing it."

Even if Cavendish is confident in his team's many options, he thinks it will be difficult to win the race. One certain Slovakian has proved to be in blistering condition, and according to the 2009 race winner he will be almost impossible to beat.

"I think it's going to be very difficult to beat Sagan. He's clearly a favorite. He won a sprint in Tirreno, he won in a small group with climbing specialists. He's in incredibly good form and Cannondale was riding so, so strong as a team. Sagan got close last year and I really believe, barring accidents, it's going to take a miracle to beat him this year really. But we will do our best."

You can follow Cavendish' exploits live on CyclingQuotes.com/live on Sunday starting at 14.30. Until then you can prepare for the race by studying our preview.