Lampre-Merida line up a star-studded roster for their biggest home classic, Milan-Sanremo. In case of a sprint finish, the team will count on an in-form Sacha Modolo while 2006 winner and Diego Ulissi will be on hand to cover the attacks in the finale.

As an Italian team, Lampre-Merida put a lot of emphasis on Milan-Sanremo and they line up most of their classics stars for this year's edition of La Primavera. With a versatile roster, the team have covered all their bases and are ready for all race scenarios.

With the removal of the Pompeiana, the race is the easiest since 2007, tipping the balance back to the sprinters. In case of a sprint finish, the team will support Sacha Modolo who has already scored four wins for his new team and the Italian will have his lead-out train of Davide Cimolai and Maximilano Richeze at his disposal.

Modolo impressed the entire cycling world in his first participation in the race. As a neo-professional, he finished 4th in the longest race on the calendar and this makes him hopeful that more may be in store.

"The Milan-San Remo is a race that I really like, he said. "I realized that right away from my debut in 2010. In order to arrive at the finish line with hopes to be competitive, you have to be careful all the way from the start. I am fortunate to be a rider who is not afraid of long distances: the longer the race, the better for me. To touch 300km doesn't scare me. I will see how the race developes. I hope to shine at the end."
 

For the attacks in the finale, the team can count on 2006 winner Filippo Pozzato. The Italian has prepared himself for the classics by training at altitude before completing the Tirreno-Adriatico a few days ago.

"[The ingredients needed to win are] to work hard in the winter, know every inch of the course, and know how to read the race quickly. The course is back to the 2007 format and this suits the pure sprinters. I had studed the Pompeiana but as it won't feature on the route you have to think about how the race will develop.

"The weather conditions can also affect the outcome. Last year it was a Classicissima plagued by snow. This year the situation should be better, although there is a chance of rain. 

"The team is complete, we have the potential to be competitive in any scenario. I have great motivation. Sanremo is a race that is dear to my heart and the memories of the joy I felt when I won, provide me with an exceptional desire to do well."

Diego Ulissi has shown great form right from the start of the season but he has always struggled on longer distances. Hence, he plays down his own opportunities.

"The course which is back to the old version, is not very favourable for riders who try to anticipate the sprinters. Actually, there are so many variables in Sanremo that every scenario is possible.

"For me, it is perhaps a little too early to think of going for the win since I still work to be competitive in long races but that does not mean I won't take the chance to help my teammates or to try to get into some kind of move."

The team is completed by veteran domestiques Manuele Mori and Matteo Bono and young talent Luca Wackermann.