The one-day race is back in its traditional spring slot with organisers last year forced to move the event to August amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move allowed organisers to avoid only the fourth cancellation of the race since its inception in 1907, with World Wars responsible for the only absences.

Van Aert emerged as the winner last year with the Belgian breaking clear with Alaphilippe in the closing stages, before overcoming his French rival in a sprint finish.

The second place finish saw Alaphilippe miss out on becoming the first rider to win the classic in back-to-back years since Erik Zabel, with the German having triumphed in 2000 and 2001.

Van Aert and reigning world champion Alaphilippe both triumphed at Milan-San Remo weeks after winning at Strade Bianche.

Van der Poel will hope this occurs for the third successive year, with the Dutch star having powered to victory at Strade Bianche earlier this month.

Former winners Vincenzo Nibali of Italy, Poland’s Michał Kwiatkowski, France’s Arnaud Demare, Germany’s John Degenkolb and Alexander Kristoff of Norway will hope for further success in the race.

Sprinters Caleb Ewan of Australia, Slovakia’s Peter Sagan, Ireland’s Sam Bennett and Italy’s Giacomo Nizzolo will also have hopes at the race, which is known as the Sprinter’s Classic.

Organisers say the classic route for the race will be used, apart from the climb of Passo del Turchino, which will not be possible this year due to a landslide.

The race will instead pass via the Colle di Giovo climb to then descend on the Aurelia to Albisola.

The final 112 kilometres of the 299km race will remain unchanged, with riders tackling the three Capi climbs, before the race concludes with the Cipressa and Poggio.

Organisers have thanked the Municipality of Sanremo, local authorities and shop owners of Via Roma, who will close their shops from 2.30pm to avoid gatherings.

This will allow the race to use the traditional finish line.