"She is the strongest now, but I am quite satisfied about my sprint. Of course, we are always racing to win, but a podium in an important race like this one is a good result, too," said Balsamo.
"Of course winning San Remo is a dream, I think for everyone, but especially as an Italian rider. This is the first year again and I know that every year there will be this race, but of course it's a big dream for me [to win this edition]."