The show is the culminating event and the campaign as a whole receives large audience ratings.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN BRASILIA

The 19-year-old -- who dominated the event last year culminating in her stunning Beijing win -- had complained of having a problem with her ankle after Sunday's first round heat.

CNN: Legend Bekele powers to fourth world title

The Milan-San Remo is the first Spring Classic of the season, with six more races taking place over March and April in Belgium, France and Netherlands, culminating in the Liege-Bastogne-Liege event on 24 April.

BBC: Matthew Goss wins Milan-San Remo race