{"id":1834178,"date":"2026-03-18T20:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1834178"},"modified":"2026-03-18T20:24:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:24:29","slug":"im-going-for-a-more-defensive-role-jasper-philipsen-says-his-chances-are-very-small-for-milan-san-remo-tips-wout-van-aert-as-a-dark-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1834178","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T20:24:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian expects another Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel on Saturday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Philipsen won Nokere Koerse on Wednesday<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"440e306e-1f47-4a7c-9ecf-66687ca8c32e\">Jasper Philipsen may have finally taken his first victory of 2026 at Nokere Koerse on Wednesday, but the Belgian is still rating his chances of taking a second Milan-San Remo title on Saturday as &#8216;very small&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In 2024, I experienced a scenario where I could win. That is certainly possible again, if I can get over the climbs well. Otherwise, you shouldn&#8217;t go there,&#8221; Philipsen told <em>Wielerflits.nl<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"440e306e-1f47-4a7c-9ecf-66687ca8c32e-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The chance is very small, though, and everything has to go right in Milan-San Remo. But the team in general is certainly just as good as it has been in recent years. It is not easy to complete the &#8216;four in a row&#8217; for our team in San Remo, but the chance is there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jasper Philipsen alters spring racing programme as he builds to Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix tilts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Alpecin-Premier Tech won Milan-San Remo in 2023 and 2025 with Mathieu van der Poel, and the Dutch phenom already has three wins to his name this season &#8211; Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and two stages of Tirreno-Adriatico &#8211; so it&#8217;s not surprising that Philipsen expects his teammate to be the rider to watch alongside world champion Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Due to Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance, Milan-San Remo has become a slightly different race, I think,&#8221; Philipsen said. &#8220;In the past, riders never really stood out quite so much like he and Mathieu van der Poel do right now. The fact that they can really make the difference and attack right from the Cipressa changes the dynamics of that race a bit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The battles between the two superstars have made the race much tougher, but Philipsen denies that the sprinters have no chance, despite riders like Arnaud De Lie writing it off altogether.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There is always a chance. Nine out of 10 times, it is indeed a lost day, if you look at the result,&#8221; Philipsen said. &#8220;But then you do have the kilometres and that long race in your legs. I also believe that you should go there for every minuscule chance there is. Milan-San Remo is too important a race to just pass up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nor should any of the capable puncheurs, he suggested. While a two-man race between Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel is the most likely breakaway, there are &#8220;many possible scenarios&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Either they will reach the top of the Poggio with a small group, or there might be someone like Filippo Ganna, a lone rider having an exceptional day, who just manages to hang on like last year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">After racing last week, Philipsen had a surprising &#8216;dark horse&#8217; pick to challenge the two main favourites. &#8220;I saw in Tirreno-Adriatico that Wout van Aert made a good impression along the way. I think he is going to be close.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;When it comes to following Mathieu, I&#8217;m still lacking 50 watts&#8217; \u2013 Arnaud De Lie argues Van der Poel will make for much more explosive Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was a bit exhausted in the final stages&#8217; &#8211; Bad luck spoils defending champion Jasper Philipsen&#8217;s day in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While Philipsen showed his speed in Nokere Koerse and Tirreno-Adriatico, he said that following the likes of Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the key late climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio in the finale of Milan-San Remo &#8220;is a whole different story&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think they need to let their legs do the talking; Mathieu stands a very good chance of winning again on Saturday. And then I&#8217;ll try to ride my race from the second line. That means after the climbs, seeing which group I&#8217;m in and what position we will ultimately be fighting for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We have different options on Saturday, that&#8217;s the nice thing about our team. I think Mathieu can definitely do his thing on the climbs. I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role. And the season doesn&#8217;t stop after Saturday either. From now on, everything is important in the coming four weeks. This is the period I have worked so hard for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Part of that work was his latest block of racing, which left him &#8220;lacking a bit of freshness&#8221;, but the morale boost of his first win of the year was all the validation he needed before the first Monument of 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did feel that my condition is good &#8230; But I think I will have digested Tirreno-Adriatico better by Saturday. I hope to be at the start in my best condition.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Danilith Nokere Koerse<\/p>\n<p>Milan-San Remo<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Laura Weislo<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jasper Philipsen alters spring racing programme as he builds to Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix tilts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When it comes to following Mathieu, I&#8217;m still lacking 50 watts&#8217; \u2013 Arnaud De Lie argues Van der Poel will make for much more explosive Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was a bit exhausted in the final stages&#8217; &#8211; Bad luck spoils defending champion Jasper Philipsen&#8217;s day in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is different, it&#8217;s very explosive&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock says positioning at Cipressa, not good shape at Milano-Torino, is primary indicator for success on Saturday<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It doesn\u2019t look very good but it pays off&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Jasper Philipsen wins a Classic wearing odd shoes, and one is unreleased<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek face another Classics setback as ill Jonathan Milan forced out of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d claims &#8216;misunderstanding&#8217; over summer racing gap but plays it coy on plans before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">GPS tracking devices to become mandatory as Lappartient warns \u2018UCI will have no option but to enforce\u2019 the technology if teams refuse to collaborate<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is different, it&#8217;s very explosive&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock says positioning at Cipressa, not good shape at Milano-Torino, is primary indicator for success on Saturday<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d claims &#8216;misunderstanding&#8217; over summer racing gap but plays it coy on plans before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T20:24:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian expects another Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel on Saturday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Philipsen won Nokere Koerse on Wednesday<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"440e306e-1f47-4a7c-9ecf-66687ca8c32e\">Jasper Philipsen may have finally taken his first victory of 2026 at Nokere Koerse on Wednesday, but the Belgian is still rating his chances of taking a second Milan-San Remo title on Saturday as &#8216;very small&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In 2024, I experienced a scenario where I could win. That is certainly possible again, if I can get over the climbs well. Otherwise, you shouldn&#8217;t go there,&#8221; Philipsen told <em>Wielerflits.nl<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"440e306e-1f47-4a7c-9ecf-66687ca8c32e-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The chance is very small, though, and everything has to go right in Milan-San Remo. But the team in general is certainly just as good as it has been in recent years. It is not easy to complete the &#8216;four in a row&#8217; for our team in San Remo, but the chance is there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jasper Philipsen alters spring racing programme as he builds to Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix tilts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Alpecin-Premier Tech won Milan-San Remo in 2023 and 2025 with Mathieu van der Poel, and the Dutch phenom already has three wins to his name this season &#8211; Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and two stages of Tirreno-Adriatico &#8211; so it&#8217;s not surprising that Philipsen expects his teammate to be the rider to watch alongside world champion Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Due to Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance, Milan-San Remo has become a slightly different race, I think,&#8221; Philipsen said. &#8220;In the past, riders never really stood out quite so much like he and Mathieu van der Poel do right now. The fact that they can really make the difference and attack right from the Cipressa changes the dynamics of that race a bit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The battles between the two superstars have made the race much tougher, but Philipsen denies that the sprinters have no chance, despite riders like Arnaud De Lie writing it off altogether.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There is always a chance. Nine out of 10 times, it is indeed a lost day, if you look at the result,&#8221; Philipsen said. &#8220;But then you do have the kilometres and that long race in your legs. I also believe that you should go there for every minuscule chance there is. Milan-San Remo is too important a race to just pass up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nor should any of the capable puncheurs, he suggested. While a two-man race between Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel is the most likely breakaway, there are &#8220;many possible scenarios&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Either they will reach the top of the Poggio with a small group, or there might be someone like Filippo Ganna, a lone rider having an exceptional day, who just manages to hang on like last year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">After racing last week, Philipsen had a surprising &#8216;dark horse&#8217; pick to challenge the two main favourites. &#8220;I saw in Tirreno-Adriatico that Wout van Aert made a good impression along the way. I think he is going to be close.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;When it comes to following Mathieu, I&#8217;m still lacking 50 watts&#8217; \u2013 Arnaud De Lie argues Van der Poel will make for much more explosive Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was a bit exhausted in the final stages&#8217; &#8211; Bad luck spoils defending champion Jasper Philipsen&#8217;s day in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While Philipsen showed his speed in Nokere Koerse and Tirreno-Adriatico, he said that following the likes of Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the key late climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio in the finale of Milan-San Remo &#8220;is a whole different story&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think they need to let their legs do the talking; Mathieu stands a very good chance of winning again on Saturday. And then I&#8217;ll try to ride my race from the second line. That means after the climbs, seeing which group I&#8217;m in and what position we will ultimately be fighting for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We have different options on Saturday, that&#8217;s the nice thing about our team. I think Mathieu can definitely do his thing on the climbs. I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role. And the season doesn&#8217;t stop after Saturday either. From now on, everything is important in the coming four weeks. This is the period I have worked so hard for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Part of that work was his latest block of racing, which left him &#8220;lacking a bit of freshness&#8221;, but the morale boost of his first win of the year was all the validation he needed before the first Monument of 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did feel that my condition is good &#8230; But I think I will have digested Tirreno-Adriatico better by Saturday. I hope to be at the start in my best condition.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Danilith Nokere Koerse<\/p>\n<p>Milan-San Remo<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Laura Weislo<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jasper Philipsen alters spring racing programme as he builds to Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix tilts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When it comes to following Mathieu, I&#8217;m still lacking 50 watts&#8217; \u2013 Arnaud De Lie argues Van der Poel will make for much more explosive Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was a bit exhausted in the final stages&#8217; &#8211; Bad luck spoils defending champion Jasper Philipsen&#8217;s day in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is different, it&#8217;s very explosive&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock says positioning at Cipressa, not good shape at Milano-Torino, is primary indicator for success on Saturday<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8As8qWfDmbmaJoHitTr94Y-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It doesn\u2019t look very good but it pays off&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Jasper Philipsen wins a Classic wearing odd shoes, and one is unreleased<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DeCwX3qoH6m6wRopuT3EnK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek face another Classics setback as ill Jonathan Milan forced out of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Fxfkeg5srjgwBwokYSB6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d claims &#8216;misunderstanding&#8217; over summer racing gap but plays it coy on plans before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwyi6uJDBd3zXL376eopi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">GPS tracking devices to become mandatory as Lappartient warns \u2018UCI will have no option but to enforce\u2019 the technology if teams refuse to collaborate<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LY3poumoJ9Czq4qEmrZeQa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never&#8217; \u2013 Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto look to Chiara Consonni and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney for Milan-San Remo success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBSAgdZiFtcKyt2LfzpSmG.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is different, it&#8217;s very explosive&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock says positioning at Cipressa, not good shape at Milano-Torino, is primary indicator for success on Saturday<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d claims &#8216;misunderstanding&#8217; over summer racing gap but plays it coy on plans before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-18T20:24:29Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n18 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian expects another Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel on Saturday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"440e306e-1f47-4a7c-9ecf-66687ca8c32e\">Jasper Philipsen may have finally taken his first victory of 2026 at Nokere Koerse on Wednesday, but the Belgian is still rating his chances of taking a second Milan-San Remo title on Saturday as &#8216;very small&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In 2024, I experienced a scenario where I could win. That is certainly possible again, if I can get over the climbs well. Otherwise, you shouldn&#8217;t go there,&#8221; Philipsen told <em>Wielerflits.nl<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"440e306e-1f47-4a7c-9ecf-66687ca8c32e-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The chance is very small, though, and everything has to go right in Milan-San Remo. But the team in general is certainly just as good as it has been in recent years. It is not easy to complete the &#8216;four in a row&#8217; for our team in San Remo, but the chance is there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pVMYvtkbCfDFAJoyzwFkW4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Jasper Philipsen alters spring racing programme as he builds to Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix tilts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Alpecin-Premier Tech won Milan-San Remo in 2023 and 2025 with Mathieu van der Poel, and the Dutch phenom already has three wins to his name this season &#8211; Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and two stages of Tirreno-Adriatico &#8211; so it&#8217;s not surprising that Philipsen expects his teammate to be the rider to watch alongside world champion Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Due to Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s dominance, Milan-San Remo has become a slightly different race, I think,&#8221; Philipsen said. &#8220;In the past, riders never really stood out quite so much like he and Mathieu van der Poel do right now. The fact that they can really make the difference and attack right from the Cipressa changes the dynamics of that race a bit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The battles between the two superstars have made the race much tougher, but Philipsen denies that the sprinters have no chance, despite riders like Arnaud De Lie writing it off altogether.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;There is always a chance. Nine out of 10 times, it is indeed a lost day, if you look at the result,&#8221; Philipsen said. &#8220;But then you do have the kilometres and that long race in your legs. I also believe that you should go there for every minuscule chance there is. Milan-San Remo is too important a race to just pass up.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PDTbvzNmrqdBSBHDBLywKn slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nor should any of the capable puncheurs, he suggested. While a two-man race between Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel is the most likely breakaway, there are &#8220;many possible scenarios&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Either they will reach the top of the Poggio with a small group, or there might be someone like Filippo Ganna, a lone rider having an exceptional day, who just manages to hang on like last year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">After racing last week, Philipsen had a surprising &#8216;dark horse&#8217; pick to challenge the two main favourites. &#8220;I saw in Tirreno-Adriatico that Wout van Aert made a good impression along the way. I think he is going to be close.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H9Gjz5xKTDTAoRPqHRyTGm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;When it comes to following Mathieu, I&#8217;m still lacking 50 watts&#8217; \u2013 Arnaud De Lie argues Van der Poel will make for much more explosive Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wKFXSU8gXahKFHzhphzH2U-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was a bit exhausted in the final stages&#8217; &#8211; Bad luck spoils defending champion Jasper Philipsen&#8217;s day in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While Philipsen showed his speed in Nokere Koerse and Tirreno-Adriatico, he said that following the likes of Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the key late climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio in the finale of Milan-San Remo &#8220;is a whole different story&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think they need to let their legs do the talking; Mathieu stands a very good chance of winning again on Saturday. And then I&#8217;ll try to ride my race from the second line. That means after the climbs, seeing which group I&#8217;m in and what position we will ultimately be fighting for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We have different options on Saturday, that&#8217;s the nice thing about our team. I think Mathieu can definitely do his thing on the climbs. I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role. And the season doesn&#8217;t stop after Saturday either. From now on, everything is important in the coming four weeks. This is the period I have worked so hard for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Part of that work was his latest block of racing, which left him &#8220;lacking a bit of freshness&#8221;, but the morale boost of his first win of the year was all the validation he needed before the first Monument of 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did feel that my condition is good &#8230; But I think I will have digested Tirreno-Adriatico better by Saturday. I hope to be at the start in my best condition.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/im-going-for-a-more-defensive-role-jasper-philipsen-says-his-chances-are-very-small-for-milan-san-remo-tips-wout-van-aert-as-a-dark-horse\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road &#8216;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse News By Laura Weislo published 18 March 2026 Belgian expects another Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel on Saturday When you purchase through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1834178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1834178"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834178\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1834178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1834178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1834178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}