The 88th running of the Milan–San Remo cycling classic was held on 22 March 1997 and won by German Erik Zabel.

[1][2][3][4] Michele Bartoli had a small lead on the top of the Poggio, before being joined by a small group with Johan Museeuw, Andrea Ferrigato and Marco Pantani.

Rolf Sørensen led the pursuers, who rejoined the grupetto on the descent.

A group of 40 decided the race in a sprint, for the first time in 17 years.

Several riders were involved in a spectacular final-sprint crash, including Laurent Jalabert, Johan Museeuw and Maximilian Sciandri.