Spartacus cut a forlorn figure on the podium 12 months ago, after being forced to settle for second place at Milan-San Remo for the third time in his career.

Cancellara has been on the podium in each of the last four years but has not revisited the top step of the podium since his 2008 triumph.

Victory in the final time trial at Tirreno-Adriatico showed he has the form, and the motor, of old though, as did his victory in Al Bustan in Oman on the rouleur’s stage.

His Spring Classics record speaks for itself, but the Swiss ace wants more – and his reaction to missing out in San Remo 12 months ago speaks volumes for how desperate he is for a second success at La Primavera.

He lacks the sprint of the out-and-out fast men – as was proven by Kristoff’s victory last year – and he will be a marked man over the final climbs.

Time and again he has proved he has the tactical experience and more than enough tricks up his sleeve, however, and this could be the year he finally adds a second Milan-San Remo to his considerable palmares.