Defending champion Alexander Kristoff has become a major sprinting contender in the last 12 months, following last season’s triumph with two Tour de France stage wins and a string of successes in his home country, Norway.

This year has been no different, with the 27-year-old having already picked up five stage wins – three in Qatar, one in Oman and one at last week’s Paris-Nice.

The Norwegian was also second at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and will lead a Katusha line-up also set to boast the power of Luca Paolini in their ranks.

Kristoff showed not only a great sprint finish last year, as rivals including Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish and Fabian Cancellara struggled to get their legs pumping after a freezing day in the saddle, but also great resilience too.

And his success since has shown it was no flash in the pan, the Norwegian is certainly a major sprinting contender.

In a race which requires more than just a fast finish, but also tactical nous, a strong team and the grit to take on the season’s longest major race, Kristoff boasts all three and will start with big hopes of becoming the first man to win back-to-back Milan San Remo titles since Erik Zabel.