Contents
- 1 Dutch Champion Secures Victory in Thrilling Via Roma Sprint
- 2 A High-Paced Finale on the Cipressa and Poggio
- 3 Van der Poel’s Perfectly Timed Sprint Seals the Win
- 4 Post-Race Reactions: Victory Beyond Belief
- 5 Race Breakdown: From Breakaway to Battle for Glory
- 6 Early Breakaway and Tough Conditions
- 7 Peloton Takes Control Before the Climbs
- 8 The Cipressa: Pogačar’s First Attack
- 9 Poggio Decides the Finalists
- 10 A Tactical Descent and Final Sprint
- 11 Van der Poel’s Monumental Triumph
Dutch Champion Secures Victory in Thrilling Via Roma Sprint
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) showcased his brilliance at the 116th edition of Milan-San Remo, holding off fierce competition from Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) in a breathtaking sprint to claim victory on the Via Roma. After an intense 289km battle, the Dutch rider emerged victorious, securing his second La Classicissima title.
A High-Paced Finale on the Cipressa and Poggio
The decisive moments began on the Cipressa, where Pogačar’s team set a blistering tempo, preparing for the Slovenian’s anticipated attack with 25km to go. Only Van der Poel and Ganna responded to the acceleration as Pogačar launched multiple surges. Despite his relentless efforts, Van der Poel clung to his wheel, ready for the showdown.
Pogačar’s next move came on the Poggio, where he dropped Ganna but failed to shake off Van der Poel. The two riders raced down the twisting descent towards San Remo, knowing the race would come down to a sprint finish. As the pace momentarily eased near the finish, Ganna regained contact, setting the stage for a three-way battle.
Van der Poel’s Perfectly Timed Sprint Seals the Win
With the finish line in sight, Van der Poel seized control, launching his sprint from the front. His explosive acceleration caught Ganna and Pogačar off guard, preventing them from overtaking him. Van der Poel crossed the line victorious, adding another Monument title to his impressive palmarès. Ganna secured second place, narrowly holding off Pogačar, who had to settle for third.
Post-Race Reactions: Victory Beyond Belief
“It’s hard to believe,” Van der Poel admitted in his post-race interview. “Tadej would be strong, but I felt excellent in the finale. The beginning was brutal, with the rain and cold, but my legs got better as we neared the coast. Winning this race for the second time is incredible.”
Despite acknowledging Pogačar’s dominance on the climbs, Van der Poel remained confident in his ability to respond. “I knew Tadej was the strongest climber. On the Cipressa, he was already impressive. I expected him to try and drop me on the Poggio, but I felt strong and held on.”
Regarding his decisive sprint, Van der Poel explained, “I knew the others expected a short sprint, so I surprised them by going early at the 300-metre mark. I felt strong enough to hold them off.”
Race Breakdown: From Breakaway to Battle for Glory
Early Breakaway and Tough Conditions
The race began in cold and rainy conditions in Pavia, with riders bundled in rain jackets. Once the official start was signalled, breakaway attempts began immediately. After several failed efforts, a group of eight riders finally established a lead, including Alessandro Verre (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Tommaso Nencini (Team Solution Tech-Vini Fantini), and Martin Marcellusi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè).
Unlike past editions, where early breakaways enjoyed a 10-minute advantage, the peloton kept the escapees in check, limiting their lead to around six minutes. Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Deceuninck) controlled the pace, working for Van der Poel and defending champion Jasper Philipsen.
Peloton Takes Control Before the Climbs
As the race hit the Passo del Turchino (150km to go), the gap began shrinking, dipping below three minutes. The peloton, led by Ineos Grenadiers, ramped up the pace. When the riders approached the Tre Capi climbs, Dillier’s efforts had concluded, and Ineos took over, with Geraint Thomas driving the tempo.
Crashes and mechanical issues affected the peloton, with notable incidents involving Laurence Pithie (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and Jasper Philipsen suffering a puncture. However, all riders managed to regain contact.
The Cipressa: Pogačar’s First Attack
With 27km remaining, the last breakaway rider, Marcellus, was caught just before the Cipressa. UAE Team Emirates-XRG intensified the pace, dropping key contenders, including Philipsen. Tim Wellens delivered a strong lead-out for Pogačar, setting him up for his first attack. Many struggled to keep up, but only Van der Poel and Ganna matched his move.
Poggio Decides the Finalists
The leading trio worked together on the descent, maintaining a 45-second gap over the chasing peloton. As they hit the Poggio, Pogačar launched another surge, dropping Ganna but failing to shake off Van der Poel.
Van der Poel countered with his attack in the final 500 meters of the climb. While he briefly distanced Pogačar, the Slovenian fought back, ensuring the race would be decided in a sprint.
A Tactical Descent and Final Sprint
On the twisting descent, Ganna regained contact, making it a three-way sprint. Pogačar positioned himself behind, forcing Van der Poel to lead out. Sensing hesitation, the Dutchman opened his sprint early, catching his rivals off guard and securing a decisive victory.
Van der Poel’s Monumental Triumph
Mathieu van der Poel clinched his second Milan-San Remo title with this victory, adding to his growing list of Monument wins. His performance reaffirmed his status as one of cycling’s most versatile and dominant riders.
Ganna’s strong second-place finish and Pogačar’s relentless attacking spirit ensured an unforgettable edition of La Classicissima. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Van der Poel’s tactical brilliance and raw power make him a force reckoned with in the cycling world.
