The 1961 Milan–San Remo was the 52nd edition of the Milan–San Remo cycle race and was held on 18 March 1961.[2] The race started in Milan and finished in San Remo. It was won by Raymond Poulidor, who earlier had to be encouraged by his directorAntonin Magne not to give up after suffering a puncture. The peloton arrived 3 seconds later, with Rik Van Looy winning the sprint.[3]