1966 Milan–San Remo

The 57th running of the Milan–San Remo cycling classic was held on March 20, 1966. The race was won by 20-year old Belgian Eddy Merckx, the first of seven victories of the Cannibal in the monument race.

1966 Milan–San Remo

Race details
Dates	March 20, 1966
Stages	1
Distance	290 km (180.2 mi)
Winning time	6h 40' 40"
Results
Winner Eddy Merckx (BEL) (Peugeot–BP–Michelin)   Second Adriano Durante (ITA) (Salvarani)   Third Herman Van Springel (BEL) (Dr. Mann–Grundig)

Summary

After the Turchino, 17 riders were in the breakaway, but they were joined by a large peloton before the Poggio. Raymond Poulidor, looking for a second win, broke clear on the Poggio, but was caught before entering San Remo. A large group rushed to the finish on the Via Roma, with Italian champion Michele Dancelli leading out the sprint. Young Belgian Eddy Merckx, on his way to cycling legend, beat Italian Adriano Durante by centimeters, winning his first international classic. At 20, he became the youngest winner of the Classicissima ever. According to legend, his mother in Belgium fainted with emotion in front of the television.

Results

	Rider	Team	Time
1	Eddy Merckx	Peugeot–BP–Michelin	6 h 40' 40"
2	Adriano Durante	Salvarani	s.t.
3	Herman Van Springel	Dr. Mann–Grundig	s.t.
4	Michele Dancelli	Molteni	s.t.
5	Adriano Passuello	Legnano–Pirelli	s.t.
6	Rolf Maurer	Filotex	s.t.
7	Raymond Poulidor	Mercier–BP–Hutchinson	s.t.
8	Franco Balmamion	Sanson	s.t.
9	Hubertus Zilverberg	Televizier–Batavus	s.t.
10	Roberto Poggiali	Bianchi–Mobylette	s.t.