{"id":1834475,"date":"2026-03-19T13:21:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T10:21:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1834475"},"modified":"2026-03-19T13:21:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T10:21:56","slug":"sean-kellys-classics-column-all-eyes-are-on-pogacar-and-van-der-poel-but-isaac-del-toro-is-the-danger-man-at-milan-san-remo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1834475","title":{"rendered":"Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1920-80.png&#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>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T13:21:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Two-time winner of La Primavera assesses how a potential Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel may play out, why the Mexican is a dark horse, and his insight on what it takes to claim victory on the Via Roma<\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1920-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">On his sixth appearance, will Poga\u010dar be able to finally add La Primavera to his palmar\u00e8s, or could his own teammate spring a surprise?<\/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 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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 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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=\"3d3e97f2-06d7-4701-bfd4-d94f8729c796\">As Monuments go, Milan-San Remo is unique. It&#8217;s a long, drawn-out route, and yet it&#8217;s all about the final. Take the Tour of Flanders, for example, there\u2019s possibly 10 sections of the course where you can blow the race apart and tee up victory \u2013 whereas here, you\u2019ve got one, possibly two, in the closing stages. Some riders would like to try something earlier to get the win, or even just a podium spot, but unfortunately, you have to wait until the very end to see what you can do.<\/p>\n<p>Having won <em>La Classicissima<\/em> twice during my career, and finished inside the top 10 in seven other editions, I know better than most that it all comes down to who you are and how good you are at that moment.<\/p>\n<p id=\"3d3e97f2-06d7-4701-bfd4-d94f8729c796-2\">Of course, for the men&#8217;s race this year, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel are the two big favourites. I expect the Slovenian to throw everything he&#8217;s got at Saturday&#8217;s race, because it&#8217;s both the race he wants to win the most right now, but also the hardest race for him to win, too, given his current competition.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.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;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-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 want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/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\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel, having seen him in action at Opening Weekend and Tirreno-Adriatico, you can tell he&#8217;s in excellent shape. So, he&#8217;s going to be right there on Poga\u010dar&#8217;s wheel and hard to shake off. If the pair come to the finish together, I find it highly unlikely that Poga\u010dar can beat the two-time winner.<\/p>\n<p>His only option is on the Poggio. Say a few riders get a gap, and you&#8217;re able to play some games in the final kilometres, things will start to get complicated. But for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, while they can win it on the Poggio, the work of his team \u2013 which are fractionally weaker than last year\u2019s, given the absence of Tim Wellens and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez \u2013 has to start on the Cipressa with an infernal pace that puts everybody in difficulty, not least Van der Poel and Filippo Ganna. If that works out for them, then on the Poggio, you try to finish off the riders who are still left clinging to their talisman&#8217;s wheel.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, as I mentioned earlier, much of winning Milan-San Remo is how you feel in your mind and legs in the moment, and there could be a touch of hesitation and nerves with Poga\u010dar. Van der Poel isn\u2019t as desperate to win this race, nor is he necessarily in a position where he needs to attack on the final climb, because he knows the odds favour him in a reduced sprint situation. It&#8217;s the same reason why I wouldn&#8217;t be worried to see the Dutchman heavily outnumbered by UAE riders after the Cipressa has been tackled, because the pair&#8217;s tactics are completely different.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"e570052f-c0ad-4bae-bd60-19d2e2fccd95\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar was guided by both Narv\u00e1ez and Wellens during the closing stages of the 2025 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luca Bettini\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"8365f726-9af1-4c7a-aa0d-7013056a1f10\">If you look back to last year, Poga\u010dar thought he had Van der Poel on the limit, only for him to put in an attack just before the crest of the Poggio. It was probably a pretty heavy blow to Poga\u010dar, who must&#8217;ve said to himself, &#8216;Oh, my God, this fella is going to attack me.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, on the descent, I don&#8217;t think Poga\u010dar would be bold enough to try too much because he knows he can&#8217;t distance Van der Poel there; he&#8217;s made that mistake before. Besides, I doubt he&#8217;ll take crazy risks to get a gap, because it puts himself in danger.<\/p>\n<p>For all my focus on the likely Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel \u2013 and I do believe the latter to be the favourite \u2013 there&#8217;s always a couple of riders that you say &#8216;My God, he&#8217;s on a good day,&#8217; and I think we can&#8217;t completely discount the likes of Ganna, Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert and even Jasper Stuyven. But, if I were going to the bookmakers, I would put some money on Isaac del Toro.<\/p>\n<p>Why? Well, I think he could be the danger man who could benefit from the two favourites marking each other&#8217;s every move up and over the Poggio. If Del Toro goes, and Van der Poel reacts to close down the move, it offers Poga\u010dar an opportunity to counter. Similarly, should the Mexican attack and get a 15-second gap, there could be a stand-off that ultimately leaves Del Toro clear on the Via Roma.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-150-80.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&#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<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"amidst-the-chaos-a-plan-and-self-confidence-are-equally-valuable-3\">Amidst the chaos, a plan and self-confidence are equally valuable<\/h2>\n<p id=\"d4802fba-f2d6-4f5b-ac8e-c3c328bd780f\">While the women&#8217;s race is shorter and only in its second year back on the race calendar, I suspect the tactics will be similar to those in the men&#8217;s edition, finishing a few hours later. The Cipressa will thin down the field, before a final selection on the Poggio. However, I could see somebody riding away alone, or maybe a group of four or five riders.<\/p>\n<p>A reduced bunch sprint saw Lorena Wiebes claim victory last year, but if the race splinters further, I feel it could be a tough ask for her to repeat her 2025 heroics. She will have to really dig deep to stay in there, especially with the climbing prowess elsewhere on the startlist. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney showed strong form at Strade Bianche, as did Puck Pieterse, and there&#8217;s also Lotte Kopecky and Elisa Longo Borghini to add into the mix.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini&#8217;s climbing ability is stronger than that of the pure sprinters, which provides her with an advantage, in my opinion. As for SD Worx-Protime, going into a race with multiple options \u2013 in Wiebes and Kopecky \u2013 can work better at Milan-San Remo than in other Classics. In cobbled Classics, like the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, the plan can go out of the window very early, after 60 or 70 kilometres, because of the parcours, how other teams tackle the race, and the higher chance of suffering a mechanical.<\/p>\n<p>Whereas at Milan-San Remo, the element of surprise, which could swiftly rip your team&#8217;s well-laid plan to pieces, is far lower. So it is a race in which a plan can actually work out quite well.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"ef2fb6f1-69c0-45f0-810d-71b9a15c9a0e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">SD Worx-Protime had two cards to play in the final last year, with Lorena Wiebes coming out on top <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dirk Waem\/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"50a2f4e6-5a74-49ef-9650-c0b78897b2dd\">However, for what the first Monument of the season might lack in potential tactical surprises, the 300km route creates a psychological element unlike any other one-day race. It&#8217;s a slow, slow build-up before the Capi, where it starts to wind up. That&#8217;s where keeping position becomes a priority, and it can be difficult because there are another 100 riders all trying to do the same ahead of the Cipressa. If you get caught up in a crash, then it could well be game over.<\/p>\n<p>I can recall from my own racing days, everybody shouting as they fight for position, and plenty of bad language being thrown about. If you even touched an Italian rider, they&#8217;d go crazy!<\/p>\n<p>So that constant tension is difficult. I don&#8217;t think physically it&#8217;s too challenging for the pelotons nowadays, considering the distances that they can do in training or at other Monuments. But, mentally, it&#8217;s a different story.<\/p>\n<p>Should you overcome this early tension and avoid any potential crashes, finding yourself in the top 15-20 riders on the Cipressa, then that&#8217;s the place to be. It&#8217;s then all about how good you feel and your choice of tactic, depending on whether you want a sprint or to attack over the Poggio. Either way, it&#8217;s all about having the confidence within yourself to execute the plan.<\/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>Milan-San Remo<\/p>\n<p>Milan-San Remo Women<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-oQALNH59iUW2vZYkpB7ikm\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-oQALNH59iUW2vZYkpB7ikm 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\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.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\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-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 want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/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\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.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&#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<\/span><\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/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>\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\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-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;Milan-San Remo is a scary race&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar reveals his fears and ambitions for Italian Monument<\/span><\/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>\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>\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\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-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\">Eddy Merckx offers advice to Tadej Poga\u010dar on how to finally win Milan-San Remo, 50 years after taking record seventh title<\/span><\/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\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-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;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/span><\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-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 want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/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\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-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;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.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&#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<\/span><\/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\/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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-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\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/span><\/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\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde Van Brugge &#8211; Tour of Bruges 2026 Route<\/span><\/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\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-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\">Kristen Faulkner and Emily Ehrlich go one-two in time trial for Team USA at Pan American Road Championships<\/span><\/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 Features<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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>\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\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-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\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/span><\/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\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-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&#8217;ve struggled with it because I felt like I was more under the watchful eye&#8217; \u2013 Ur\u0161ka \u017digart opens up about handling attention and reaching potential with the belief of her team<\/span><\/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\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Are scientists now more important than star riders? Inside pro cycling&#8217;s race for scientific innovation<\/span><\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/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\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-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\">Training<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The magic zone \u2013 A deep dive into zone 2 and how taking it steady has become the WorldTour&#8217;s go-to training strategy<\/span><\/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\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-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;For better or worse, teams are here&#8217; &#8211; The rosters in 2026 as riders join forces for off-road alliances as the next evolution of gravel and endurance MTB racing takes shape<\/span><\/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\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In this role, I have told myself to say yes whenever possible&#8217; \u2013 Alex Dowsett takes us inside the mind of a WorldTour coach<\/span><\/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\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-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\">Riders to watch at Cape Epic 2026 \u2013 Mountain bike stars, gravel pros and Epic veterans form strong and open field for 700km challenge<\/span><\/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\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-320-80.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;I was breaking power records left, right, and centre last year and still not winning&#8217; \u2013 Adam Yates on the harsh reality of keeping up in modern cycling&#8217;s constantly improving peloton<\/span><\/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\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-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\">Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico are traditionally the spring&#8217;s most important Grand Tour preparation races, but do they actually tell us anything?<\/span><\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.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;I want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/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;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/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\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/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\">&#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<\/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>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T13:21:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Two-time winner of La Primavera assesses how a potential Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel may play out, why the Mexican is a dark horse, and his insight on what it takes to claim victory on the Via Roma<\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1920-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">On his sixth appearance, will Poga\u010dar be able to finally add La Primavera to his palmar\u00e8s, or could his own teammate spring a surprise?<\/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 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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=\"3d3e97f2-06d7-4701-bfd4-d94f8729c796\">As Monuments go, Milan-San Remo is unique. It&#8217;s a long, drawn-out route, and yet it&#8217;s all about the final. Take the Tour of Flanders, for example, there\u2019s possibly 10 sections of the course where you can blow the race apart and tee up victory \u2013 whereas here, you\u2019ve got one, possibly two, in the closing stages. Some riders would like to try something earlier to get the win, or even just a podium spot, but unfortunately, you have to wait until the very end to see what you can do.<\/p>\n<p>Having won <em>La Classicissima<\/em> twice during my career, and finished inside the top 10 in seven other editions, I know better than most that it all comes down to who you are and how good you are at that moment.<\/p>\n<p id=\"3d3e97f2-06d7-4701-bfd4-d94f8729c796-2\">Of course, for the men&#8217;s race this year, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel are the two big favourites. I expect the Slovenian to throw everything he&#8217;s got at Saturday&#8217;s race, because it&#8217;s both the race he wants to win the most right now, but also the hardest race for him to win, too, given his current competition.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.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;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-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 want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/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\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel, having seen him in action at Opening Weekend and Tirreno-Adriatico, you can tell he&#8217;s in excellent shape. So, he&#8217;s going to be right there on Poga\u010dar&#8217;s wheel and hard to shake off. If the pair come to the finish together, I find it highly unlikely that Poga\u010dar can beat the two-time winner.<\/p>\n<p>His only option is on the Poggio. Say a few riders get a gap, and you&#8217;re able to play some games in the final kilometres, things will start to get complicated. But for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, while they can win it on the Poggio, the work of his team \u2013 which are fractionally weaker than last year\u2019s, given the absence of Tim Wellens and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez \u2013 has to start on the Cipressa with an infernal pace that puts everybody in difficulty, not least Van der Poel and Filippo Ganna. If that works out for them, then on the Poggio, you try to finish off the riders who are still left clinging to their talisman&#8217;s wheel.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, as I mentioned earlier, much of winning Milan-San Remo is how you feel in your mind and legs in the moment, and there could be a touch of hesitation and nerves with Poga\u010dar. Van der Poel isn\u2019t as desperate to win this race, nor is he necessarily in a position where he needs to attack on the final climb, because he knows the odds favour him in a reduced sprint situation. It&#8217;s the same reason why I wouldn&#8217;t be worried to see the Dutchman heavily outnumbered by UAE riders after the Cipressa has been tackled, because the pair&#8217;s tactics are completely different.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"e570052f-c0ad-4bae-bd60-19d2e2fccd95\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar was guided by both Narv\u00e1ez and Wellens during the closing stages of the 2025 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luca Bettini\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"8365f726-9af1-4c7a-aa0d-7013056a1f10\">If you look back to last year, Poga\u010dar thought he had Van der Poel on the limit, only for him to put in an attack just before the crest of the Poggio. It was probably a pretty heavy blow to Poga\u010dar, who must&#8217;ve said to himself, &#8216;Oh, my God, this fella is going to attack me.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, on the descent, I don&#8217;t think Poga\u010dar would be bold enough to try too much because he knows he can&#8217;t distance Van der Poel there; he&#8217;s made that mistake before. Besides, I doubt he&#8217;ll take crazy risks to get a gap, because it puts himself in danger.<\/p>\n<p>For all my focus on the likely Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel \u2013 and I do believe the latter to be the favourite \u2013 there&#8217;s always a couple of riders that you say &#8216;My God, he&#8217;s on a good day,&#8217; and I think we can&#8217;t completely discount the likes of Ganna, Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert and even Jasper Stuyven. But, if I were going to the bookmakers, I would put some money on Isaac del Toro.<\/p>\n<p>Why? Well, I think he could be the danger man who could benefit from the two favourites marking each other&#8217;s every move up and over the Poggio. If Del Toro goes, and Van der Poel reacts to close down the move, it offers Poga\u010dar an opportunity to counter. Similarly, should the Mexican attack and get a 15-second gap, there could be a stand-off that ultimately leaves Del Toro clear on the Via Roma.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-150-80.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&#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<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"amidst-the-chaos-a-plan-and-self-confidence-are-equally-valuable-3\">Amidst the chaos, a plan and self-confidence are equally valuable<\/h2>\n<p id=\"d4802fba-f2d6-4f5b-ac8e-c3c328bd780f\">While the women&#8217;s race is shorter and only in its second year back on the race calendar, I suspect the tactics will be similar to those in the men&#8217;s edition, finishing a few hours later. The Cipressa will thin down the field, before a final selection on the Poggio. However, I could see somebody riding away alone, or maybe a group of four or five riders.<\/p>\n<p>A reduced bunch sprint saw Lorena Wiebes claim victory last year, but if the race splinters further, I feel it could be a tough ask for her to repeat her 2025 heroics. She will have to really dig deep to stay in there, especially with the climbing prowess elsewhere on the startlist. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney showed strong form at Strade Bianche, as did Puck Pieterse, and there&#8217;s also Lotte Kopecky and Elisa Longo Borghini to add into the mix.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini&#8217;s climbing ability is stronger than that of the pure sprinters, which provides her with an advantage, in my opinion. As for SD Worx-Protime, going into a race with multiple options \u2013 in Wiebes and Kopecky \u2013 can work better at Milan-San Remo than in other Classics. In cobbled Classics, like the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, the plan can go out of the window very early, after 60 or 70 kilometres, because of the parcours, how other teams tackle the race, and the higher chance of suffering a mechanical.<\/p>\n<p>Whereas at Milan-San Remo, the element of surprise, which could swiftly rip your team&#8217;s well-laid plan to pieces, is far lower. So it is a race in which a plan can actually work out quite well.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"ef2fb6f1-69c0-45f0-810d-71b9a15c9a0e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">SD Worx-Protime had two cards to play in the final last year, with Lorena Wiebes coming out on top <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dirk Waem\/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"50a2f4e6-5a74-49ef-9650-c0b78897b2dd\">However, for what the first Monument of the season might lack in potential tactical surprises, the 300km route creates a psychological element unlike any other one-day race. It&#8217;s a slow, slow build-up before the Capi, where it starts to wind up. That&#8217;s where keeping position becomes a priority, and it can be difficult because there are another 100 riders all trying to do the same ahead of the Cipressa. If you get caught up in a crash, then it could well be game over.<\/p>\n<p>I can recall from my own racing days, everybody shouting as they fight for position, and plenty of bad language being thrown about. If you even touched an Italian rider, they&#8217;d go crazy!<\/p>\n<p>So that constant tension is difficult. I don&#8217;t think physically it&#8217;s too challenging for the pelotons nowadays, considering the distances that they can do in training or at other Monuments. But, mentally, it&#8217;s a different story.<\/p>\n<p>Should you overcome this early tension and avoid any potential crashes, finding yourself in the top 15-20 riders on the Cipressa, then that&#8217;s the place to be. It&#8217;s then all about how good you feel and your choice of tactic, depending on whether you want a sprint or to attack over the Poggio. Either way, it&#8217;s all about having the confidence within yourself to execute the plan.<\/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>Milan-San Remo<\/p>\n<p>Milan-San Remo Women<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-oQALNH59iUW2vZYkpB7ikm\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-oQALNH59iUW2vZYkpB7ikm 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\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.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\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-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 want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/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\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.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&#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<\/span><\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/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>\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\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-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;Milan-San Remo is a scary race&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar reveals his fears and ambitions for Italian Monument<\/span><\/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>\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>\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\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-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\">Eddy Merckx offers advice to Tadej Poga\u010dar on how to finally win Milan-San Remo, 50 years after taking record seventh title<\/span><\/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\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-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;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/span><\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-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 want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/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\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kSiCVK5Sh7dVN9vitWqXhW-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;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.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&#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<\/span><\/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\/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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-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\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/span><\/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\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mex9CrLUqkesThE2vF5ELA-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde Van Brugge &#8211; Tour of Bruges 2026 Route<\/span><\/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\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-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\">Kristen Faulkner and Emily Ehrlich go one-two in time trial for Team USA at Pan American Road Championships<\/span><\/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 Features<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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>\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\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-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\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/span><\/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\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBjDCdbzt3c9gr7XdyznBi-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&#8217;ve struggled with it because I felt like I was more under the watchful eye&#8217; \u2013 Ur\u0161ka \u017digart opens up about handling attention and reaching potential with the belief of her team<\/span><\/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\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RwzmAx5hHT6BiQqZUVka7A-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Are scientists now more important than star riders? Inside pro cycling&#8217;s race for scientific innovation<\/span><\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/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\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9pdg2TycJCpTyCz66yVdL-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\">Training<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The magic zone \u2013 A deep dive into zone 2 and how taking it steady has become the WorldTour&#8217;s go-to training strategy<\/span><\/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\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PUqEpX63dGaZQzqKtBHkBG-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;For better or worse, teams are here&#8217; &#8211; The rosters in 2026 as riders join forces for off-road alliances as the next evolution of gravel and endurance MTB racing takes shape<\/span><\/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\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2Q4f5i4XXSAfrWYb4U6g5i-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In this role, I have told myself to say yes whenever possible&#8217; \u2013 Alex Dowsett takes us inside the mind of a WorldTour coach<\/span><\/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\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YejZRDs3Fj2py9HTRRzRHe-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\">Riders to watch at Cape Epic 2026 \u2013 Mountain bike stars, gravel pros and Epic veterans form strong and open field for 700km challenge<\/span><\/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\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wvvs4nrEgLbhrEshDKLma3-320-80.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;I was breaking power records left, right, and centre last year and still not winning&#8217; \u2013 Adam Yates on the harsh reality of keeping up in modern cycling&#8217;s constantly improving peloton<\/span><\/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\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TZ5mWVmn4SXoT3aER6LvwC-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\">Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico are traditionally the spring&#8217;s most important Grand Tour preparation races, but do they actually tell us anything?<\/span><\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ.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;I want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/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;It could be different and even more unpredictable&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini fired up for earlier explosion in 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A simple race, but also very complex&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos among the top contenders at Milan-San Remo once again<\/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\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/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\">&#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<\/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>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-19T13:21:56Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n19 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Two-time winner of La Primavera assesses how a potential Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel may play out, why the Mexican is a dark horse, and his insight on what it takes to claim victory on the Via Roma<\/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. 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It&#8217;s a long, drawn-out route, and yet it&#8217;s all about the final. Take the Tour of Flanders, for example, there\u2019s possibly 10 sections of the course where you can blow the race apart and tee up victory \u2013 whereas here, you\u2019ve got one, possibly two, in the closing stages. Some riders would like to try something earlier to get the win, or even just a podium spot, but unfortunately, you have to wait until the very end to see what you can do.<\/p>\n<p>Having won <em>La Classicissima<\/em> twice during my career, and finished inside the top 10 in seven other editions, I know better than most that it all comes down to who you are and how good you are at that moment.<\/p>\n<p id=\"3d3e97f2-06d7-4701-bfd4-d94f8729c796-2\">Of course, for the men&#8217;s race this year, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel are the two big favourites. I expect the Slovenian to throw everything he&#8217;s got at Saturday&#8217;s race, because it&#8217;s both the race he wants to win the most right now, but also the hardest race for him to win, too, given his current competition.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.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;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/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\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uqBPEa5dbWTrvN9t7jKNfJ-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 want to make history&#8217; \u2013 Filippo Ganna bullish ahead of Milan-San Remo rematch with Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar<\/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\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel, having seen him in action at Opening Weekend and Tirreno-Adriatico, you can tell he&#8217;s in excellent shape. So, he&#8217;s going to be right there on Poga\u010dar&#8217;s wheel and hard to shake off. If the pair come to the finish together, I find it highly unlikely that Poga\u010dar can beat the two-time winner.<\/p>\n<p>His only option is on the Poggio. Say a few riders get a gap, and you&#8217;re able to play some games in the final kilometres, things will start to get complicated. But for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, while they can win it on the Poggio, the work of his team \u2013 which are fractionally weaker than last year\u2019s, given the absence of Tim Wellens and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez \u2013 has to start on the Cipressa with an infernal pace that puts everybody in difficulty, not least Van der Poel and Filippo Ganna. If that works out for them, then on the Poggio, you try to finish off the riders who are still left clinging to their talisman&#8217;s wheel.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, as I mentioned earlier, much of winning Milan-San Remo is how you feel in your mind and legs in the moment, and there could be a touch of hesitation and nerves with Poga\u010dar. Van der Poel isn\u2019t as desperate to win this race, nor is he necessarily in a position where he needs to attack on the final climb, because he knows the odds favour him in a reduced sprint situation. It&#8217;s the same reason why I wouldn&#8217;t be worried to see the Dutchman heavily outnumbered by UAE riders after the Cipressa has been tackled, because the pair&#8217;s tactics are completely different.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"e570052f-c0ad-4bae-bd60-19d2e2fccd95\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKxHwt6NTN28ZQbMVu3Q94-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar was guided by both Narv\u00e1ez and Wellens during the closing stages of the 2025 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Luca Bettini\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"8365f726-9af1-4c7a-aa0d-7013056a1f10\">If you look back to last year, Poga\u010dar thought he had Van der Poel on the limit, only for him to put in an attack just before the crest of the Poggio. It was probably a pretty heavy blow to Poga\u010dar, who must&#8217;ve said to himself, &#8216;Oh, my God, this fella is going to attack me.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, on the descent, I don&#8217;t think Poga\u010dar would be bold enough to try too much because he knows he can&#8217;t distance Van der Poel there; he&#8217;s made that mistake before. Besides, I doubt he&#8217;ll take crazy risks to get a gap, because it puts himself in danger.<\/p>\n<p>For all my focus on the likely Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel \u2013 and I do believe the latter to be the favourite \u2013 there&#8217;s always a couple of riders that you say &#8216;My God, he&#8217;s on a good day,&#8217; and I think we can&#8217;t completely discount the likes of Ganna, Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert and even Jasper Stuyven. But, if I were going to the bookmakers, I would put some money on Isaac del Toro.<\/p>\n<p>Why? Well, I think he could be the danger man who could benefit from the two favourites marking each other&#8217;s every move up and over the Poggio. If Del Toro goes, and Van der Poel reacts to close down the move, it offers Poga\u010dar an opportunity to counter. Similarly, should the Mexican attack and get a 15-second gap, there could be a stand-off that ultimately leaves Del Toro clear on the Via Roma.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-150-80.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&#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<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-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\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/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\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xGWFhcTiyVnymtWhbJ8eXb-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\">Have we already seen a Milan-San Remo dress rehearsal? Here&#8217;s what Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice might reveal about the first Monument of 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"amidst-the-chaos-a-plan-and-self-confidence-are-equally-valuable-3\">Amidst the chaos, a plan and self-confidence are equally valuable<\/h2>\n<p id=\"d4802fba-f2d6-4f5b-ac8e-c3c328bd780f\">While the women&#8217;s race is shorter and only in its second year back on the race calendar, I suspect the tactics will be similar to those in the men&#8217;s edition, finishing a few hours later. The Cipressa will thin down the field, before a final selection on the Poggio. However, I could see somebody riding away alone, or maybe a group of four or five riders.<\/p>\n<p>A reduced bunch sprint saw Lorena Wiebes claim victory last year, but if the race splinters further, I feel it could be a tough ask for her to repeat her 2025 heroics. She will have to really dig deep to stay in there, especially with the climbing prowess elsewhere on the startlist. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney showed strong form at Strade Bianche, as did Puck Pieterse, and there&#8217;s also Lotte Kopecky and Elisa Longo Borghini to add into the mix.<\/p>\n<p>Longo Borghini&#8217;s climbing ability is stronger than that of the pure sprinters, which provides her with an advantage, in my opinion. As for SD Worx-Protime, going into a race with multiple options \u2013 in Wiebes and Kopecky \u2013 can work better at Milan-San Remo than in other Classics. In cobbled Classics, like the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, the plan can go out of the window very early, after 60 or 70 kilometres, because of the parcours, how other teams tackle the race, and the higher chance of suffering a mechanical.<\/p>\n<p>Whereas at Milan-San Remo, the element of surprise, which could swiftly rip your team&#8217;s well-laid plan to pieces, is far lower. So it is a race in which a plan can actually work out quite well.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"ef2fb6f1-69c0-45f0-810d-71b9a15c9a0e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dXsry73znd8b4hPvVFSVTe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">SD Worx-Protime had two cards to play in the final last year, with Lorena Wiebes coming out on top <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Dirk Waem\/ BELGA MAG \/ Belga via AFP\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"50a2f4e6-5a74-49ef-9650-c0b78897b2dd\">However, for what the first Monument of the season might lack in potential tactical surprises, the 300km route creates a psychological element unlike any other one-day race. It&#8217;s a slow, slow build-up before the Capi, where it starts to wind up. That&#8217;s where keeping position becomes a priority, and it can be difficult because there are another 100 riders all trying to do the same ahead of the Cipressa. If you get caught up in a crash, then it could well be game over.<\/p>\n<p>I can recall from my own racing days, everybody shouting as they fight for position, and plenty of bad language being thrown about. If you even touched an Italian rider, they&#8217;d go crazy!<\/p>\n<p>So that constant tension is difficult. I don&#8217;t think physically it&#8217;s too challenging for the pelotons nowadays, considering the distances that they can do in training or at other Monuments. But, mentally, it&#8217;s a different story.<\/p>\n<p>Should you overcome this early tension and avoid any potential crashes, finding yourself in the top 15-20 riders on the Cipressa, then that&#8217;s the place to be. It&#8217;s then all about how good you feel and your choice of tactic, depending on whether you want a sprint or to attack over the Poggio. Either way, it&#8217;s all about having the confidence within yourself to execute the plan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/sean-kellys-classics-column-all-eyes-are-on-pogacar-and-van-der-poel-but-isaac-del-toro-is-the-danger-man-at-milan-san-remo\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-1920-80.png&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Features By Sean Kelly published 19 March 2026 Two-time winner of La Primavera assesses how a potential Poga\u010dar-Van der Poel duel may [&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-1834475","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\/1834475","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=1834475"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834475\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1834475"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1834475"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1834475"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}