Third in 2006 behind Filippo Pozzato and Alessandro Petacchi, Luca Paolini had his best Milan-Sanremo showing in years and showed he still has plenty of power at 36 years of age
The Katusha rider, who comes from Milan and thus has a special affinity for the prestigious Classic, broke clear on the final ascent of the Poggio, racing in pursuit of the two breakaway riders Syvain Chavanel (Omega Pharma Quick Step) and British champion Ian Stannard (Sky).
Paolini was then joined by Peter Sagan (Cannondale), Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack Leopard) and Gerald Ciolek (MTN Qhubeka), linking up with the two leaders on the descent and making it six out front racing towards the line.
The Italian kept his powder dry for the sprint but had to be satisfied with fifth place, finishing just behind Chavanel and ahead of Stannard.
Despite missing out on the podium by a narrow margin, Paolini expressed contentment with his ride. “I think I did a good job today, I'm satisfied about my performance: I think I did a great job on the Poggio in order to close the gap in front to Chavanel and Stannard, but then in the last two kilometres I paid for that effort.”
However he also regrets what might have been. “I'm a little disappointed because I always want to take the best possible result, but anyways I reached the finishing line together with great riders, in a group where theoretically two were faster than me. I did my best, so it's okay like this.”