{"id":1837505,"date":"2026-03-20T16:47:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T13:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1837505"},"modified":"2026-03-20T16:47:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T13:47:47","slug":"chasing-perfection-on-cipressa-and-poggio-where-have-tadej-pogacar-and-uae-team-emirates-xrg-fallen-short-at-milan-san-remo-and-how-do-they-finally-win-it-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1837505","title":{"rendered":"Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-20T16:47:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">A look back at the Slovenian&#8217;s failed attempts and how his new supporting cast can guide him to success at the hardest Monument to win<\/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\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2022<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>How they utilise their team to win it in 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 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data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"9f79519e-4ff6-4533-99fb-008ef9cf1971\">Milan-San Remo has remained a vital ambition of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s, likely ever since he realised he <em>could, <\/em>in theory, win it ahead of the Classics specialists and sprinters if everything were to go perfectly across the 300km of racing.<\/p>\n<p>The nature of the route, which comes fully to life in the final 30km on the Cipressa (5.6km at 4.1%) and Poggio (3.7km at 3.1%) climbs, and really lacks elevation gain for much of the opening 240km outside of the Passo del Turchino, has always made it a challenge for the four-time Tour de France winner to make a difference.<\/p>\n<p id=\"9f79519e-4ff6-4533-99fb-008ef9cf1971-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He&#8217;s attacked both climbs with full commitment in the past four years, but has never been able to get away solo on either. That&#8217;s even with his team blowing the race to pieces on the Cipressa last season and leaving just him, Mathieu van der Poel and Filippo Ganna ahead before the Poggio in unprecedented fashion.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/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\/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-[#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\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar supported by radically revamped UAE Team Emirates-XRG team for Milan-San Remo as he continues quest for victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Will 2026 finally be his year? Even Van der Poel has said it&#8217;s &#8220;only a matter of time&#8221; before the world champion adds his name to the list of champions in San Remo, but the build-up to Saturday&#8217;s race has ignited ample discussion over just how he will be able to do it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Eddy Merckx has told him to use the Poggio, a forecast headwind is making another Cipressa assault look less likely to stay away, and it does still seem as though perfection will be the only way he conquers &#8220;the hardest Monument to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Taking a look back through Poga\u010dar&#8217;s latest four previous appearances at Milan-San Remo \u2013 without his 2020 debut, which ended in 12th in a chasing group sprint \u2013 it&#8217;s important to note where UAE missed the mark and how they can try to right those minor mistakes in this latest attempt.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-s-failed-attempts-at-milan-san-remo-3\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failed attempts at Milan-San Remo<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2022\"><span>2022<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"2218feef-280f-496f-bd26-c81c3b0aa90a\">\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\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ulissi led out Poga\u010dar on the Poggio in 2022 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"1bcbe6ea-a10e-4b50-8bd2-12343efadf2a\">Poga\u010dar arrived at Milan-San Remo 2022 off the back of his best season yet, having successfully defended his Tour de France crown and won his first two Monuments at Il Lombardia and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in 2021.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ready to take on the race, it was indeed his UAE team who would try to move it away from the &#8216;sprinter&#8217;s Monument&#8217;, and that started, of course, at the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p>They didn&#8217;t lead into the base of the iconic ascent, which became a common trend in subsequent years, with Bahrain-Victorious and then Jumbo-Visma taking over for Matej Mohori\u010d and Wout van Aert, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Jan Polanc moved to the front and started to up the pace for Poga\u010dar, but it was an infernal tempo set by Davide Formolo that really started to rip things up. It was described on commentary as &#8220;the most selective ascent in years&#8221; by Rob Hatch, but none of his main rivals were really put into difficulty yet.<\/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\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-150-80.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 think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in 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-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/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<p>Formolo split things and ruined a lot of sprinters&#8217; days, but it wasn&#8217;t a full lead-out, just a stinging of the legs by UAE.<\/p>\n<p>As they approached the Poggio, Visma took over the lead through Christophe Laporte and Van Aert, and Poga\u010dar had to be moved up by Diego Ulissi before mounting his first attack of the final climb.<\/p>\n<p>8.2km to go is when he went, and he made four big bursts in total to try and get away, but former winner Van Aert was always in his wheel to neutralise him. Eventually, he did enter the descent in second, but with S\u00f8ren Kragh Andersen in front and Van der Poel and Van Aert on his wheel.<\/p>\n<p>As Mohori\u010d caught and passed the leaders, starting his death-defying bid for glory on the descent, Poga\u010dar could not match the risks of his compatriot and had to settle for fifth in the small group sprint behind. He&#8217;d shown his intent, but neither he nor UAE had the firepower to explode away on such short climbs, for now.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2023\"><span>2023<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"51637f63-f765-4161-9090-4b335aff19a8\">\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\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar, Ganna, Van Aert and Van der Poel during the 2023 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"cb38a641-c50c-4b13-a3ce-a3a22b6497dd\">He returned a year later for more, but again, the Cipressa didn&#8217;t start perfectly for UAE as Ineos Grenadiers held control at the base. Six hundred metres in and with 26.5km to go, however, UAE had moved up with four riders left to support the Slovenian: Ulissi, Tim Wellens, Matteo Trentin and Felix Gro\u00dfschartner.<\/p>\n<p>They paced hard on the front in a line, but it wasn&#8217;t the all-out assault we came to see last season, with the pressure only really doing for the pure sprinters and not putting too much pressure on their main rivals.<\/p>\n<p>Ineos Grenadiers ended up taking over for the descent, and it was Bahrain Victorious who overtook them at the bottom of the Poggio to lead out the final ascent. Again, this meant that 1.2km of the climb were taken on without UAE putting on the pressure, and it wasn&#8217;t until 8km to go that Formolo&#8217;s replacement for the day, Wellens, moved to the front for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>When Poga\u010dar attacked with 6.6km to go, it was the usual suspects following him, Kragh Andersen on his wheel and Ganna, Van Aert and Van der Poel quickly getting into action as well. The Dane dropped after doing his job for the latter, and eventually, the four riders were clear, leading to the iconic images of them, but not the image Poga\u010dar would have wanted.<\/p>\n<p>Having failed to get away again on the Poggio, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s race was as good as run, and with 5.5km to go, a massive Van der Poel counter-attack left him and the other three unable to respond. The Dutchman would descend brilliantly and ride solo to the finish, with the race&#8217;s primary animator, Poga\u010dar, improving his best result in fourth, but without what he came for.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2024\"><span>2024<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7c663829-a8e5-4030-8e6e-5dea2bdae03c\">\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\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"d9b01110-7f0b-49f0-8f9f-6f398923e398\">A third year in a row of trying to tame the beast that is Milan-San Remo saw UAE again really try to tear things up on the Cipressa, but after being in the perfect spot with 33km to go, their positioning fell to pieces in the next 6km of the approach.<\/p>\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost and Ineos led the bunch onto the climb, and though Poga\u010dar was eventually brought to the front, he only had Alessandro Covi for company initially, who began to wind up the pace.<\/p>\n<p>Help wasn&#8217;t too far away in the form of Isaac del Toro and Wellens, but they had to waste key energy moving up through the wheels, which could have been saved if they were positioned better.<\/p>\n<p>Once the young Del Toro hit the front, his effort was long, but ran out of punch quickly, and the bunch swelled on the front as he faded, perhaps paying for his efforts to move up and then having to pace. Wellens took over at 23.5km to go, but he was the only teammate left.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar did get him to briefly up the tempo, but it became clear he would need him for the Poggio, and once the descent was completed, Tudor and Ineos had moved into the front positions for the likes of Trentin and Ganna.<\/p>\n<p>Wellens didn&#8217;t see the front again until a kilometre of the Poggio had been raced, launching a full lead-out for Poga\u010dar to try and attack away once more. Once more, 6.6km to go was where he went, but Van der Poel had already hitched himself onto the back wheel and responded well.<\/p>\n<p>He stopped his surge when everyone was still in play behind, which prompted a brief move from former winner Jasper Stuyven, and this provided the perfect moment for Poga\u010dar to counter, launching up the inside with Van der Poel sat around seventh wheel in the group.<\/p>\n<p>To this day, it&#8217;s as much separation as he&#8217;s ever managed to eke out on the Poggio, but behind him was an in-form Van der Poel who wasn&#8217;t going to watch the race go up the road. An incredible effort saw him blast across and all but completely catch the Slovenian before he rounded the final corner and onto the descent.<\/p>\n<p>With the favourites cancelling each other out, a bigger group returned at the base, and a sprint was likely. Others like Mohori\u010d and Tom Pidcock tried to attack away, but Van der Poel chased them all, knowing his sprinter, Jasper Philipsen, had made it over in the group.<\/p>\n<p>Once they opened up, Poga\u010dar chanced his luck in the finale, but was unable to come over the top of his two close friends, Philipsen and Michael Matthews. He&#8217;d almost done it this time, but again Van der Poel was the thorn in his side, even without winning it himself in the end.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2025\"><span>2025<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"2afd7e7c-9b9b-4b3f-9dd8-c9cbc0693e9b\">\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\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Narv\u00e1ez had to move up on the Cipressa after being out of position <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3292642c-1588-47c1-aa94-f4d1db7c72f3\">Last year will long stand out as one of the most unique editions in history, with UAE getting the Cipressa lead-out as close to perfect as they have yet, but again, they didn&#8217;t lead onto the base of it in first.<\/p>\n<p>EF and Ineos had that position locked off, with Alpecin and Van der Poel brilliantly placed too. A crash at the base also rippled through the peloton, so not everyone was in team order.<\/p>\n<p>UAE did take over through Wellens with 26.9km to go, but Poga\u010dar was hardly in view around 20 wheels behind his Belgian teammate.<\/p>\n<p>He was moved up by a new colleague, Narv\u00e1ez, but with one cog in the well-oiled machine missing \u2013 Del Toro. He was not in position and left the Ecuadorian with two jobs to do: move up his leader and then do the final lead-out.<\/p>\n<p>Once Wellens pulled off, there was no direct transition into Narv\u00e1ez as they still had around four riders to come past. As they hit the front with 3.8km of the climb left to complete, his all-out pull lasted 1:30, and Poga\u010dar launched just after the right-hand hairpin with 24.6km to go.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna was closest, but Van der sensed the danger of an unprecedented solo win and moved onto his rival&#8217;s wheel. He attacked again 1.5 km from the top, which did distance the Italian, but still didn&#8217;t do for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>He and UAE had done something unseen at San Remo and blown the race to pieces on the Cipressa as they had been threatening to do for years, but he wasn&#8217;t alone as they might have hoped \u2013 once more, he would have to try on the Poggio.<\/p>\n<p>Attacking at the base of the 3.7km ascent got rid of Ganna, but Van der Poel was ever-present, latching onto all the subsequent moves he tried approaching the top, and even countering him with 600 metres to go.<\/p>\n<p>The three came back together in the final kilometre after the descent, but Poga\u010dar was always going to be the underdog in the sprint, and Van der Poel&#8217;s savvy racecraft, even under massive fatigue, saw him surge away in the sprint with an early, surprise kick.<\/p>\n<p>The Slovenian would finish third for the second year running, but he was close to an historic solo move, and would know there could have been more room to drop Van der Poel on Cipressa had their positioning been perfect and Del Toro not missed his mark.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-they-utilise-their-team-to-win-it-in-2026\"><span>How they utilise their team to win it in 2026<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"f24ed390-e4b1-4724-b3df-7a4a4bb8c41d\">Wellens and Narv\u00e1ez are the key missing pieces from the 2026 startlist for UAE, but they are still fielding a very strong team to try and finally bring Poga\u010dar one of the two one-day wins he wants most, alongside Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Isaac del Toro <\/strong>is the most luxurious domestique of all, as a top-five favourite for the race in his own right. If UAE follow a similar blueprint to last year, his job is almost certainly to be that final lead-out on the Cipressa which Poga\u010dar will attack off the back of.<\/p>\n<p>Predicted headwinds in the run for home make a Cipressa solo move even less likely to stick than it already is, so Del Toro&#8217;s talents could well be saved for the Poggio. In any case, he should be the world champion&#8217;s right-hand man.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s also a world in which he and Poga\u010dar roll attacks on the Poggio to try and sting the legs of Van der Poel and company, before one of the pair attacks away. He&#8217;s much more experienced and stronger than in his previous two experiences, so big things should be expected of the Mexican on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>After his stunning burst at Strade Bianche, a lot will be expected of <strong>Jan Christen <\/strong>and his punch, and he should be the second-last rider in the train in front of Del Toro. A full pace lead-out from Christen could really hurt the bunch before Del Toro does more damage, but he has raced an awful lot already in 2026, so he may be missing a gear or two.<\/p>\n<p>If the Swiss rider isn&#8217;t on his best day, either <strong>Brandon McNulty<\/strong> or <strong>Felix Gro\u00dfschartner <\/strong>could fill in, with the American still an underrated one-day racer, and the Austrian being able to really light up a climb on his day.<\/p>\n<p>McNulty has never raced San Remo before, and the Austrian has only been there twice in 2020 and 2023, which is to their disadvantage, but Poga\u010dar does make their work simpler, knowing that it will all be about positioning him and upping the pace when he calls for it, be that on Cipressa or Poggio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Florian Vermeersch <\/strong>should be on positioning duty as Matteo Trentin would have been in previous years. Whether UAE want to use the Cipressa or the Poggio to launch, he should be in front of Poga\u010dar at the key moments, as the most likely to get him to the base of either climb in a prime position.<\/p>\n<p>His climbing may not be good enough to really lead things out as a Wellens would have, but he could prove vital for his leader in the fight for wheels.<\/p>\n<p>Trusted Slovenian <strong>Domen Novak<\/strong> will likely do a lot of the early work on the 300km day, but he has played a critical role in Monument successes for his compatriot over the years, notably at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, so don&#8217;t be surprised if he ends up as the third or second last man in the climbing train.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s not UAE&#8217;s first-string Classics team by any means, but there is enough there to feasibly get Poga\u010dar ahead, who, more importantly, is seemingly getting stronger than ever each and every time he races.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s got those previous failed attempts to draw from as experience, so he knows well where this race has gone wrong in the past \u2013 is 2026 finally the year he gets ahead on either climb without a Van der Poel with him? Seven hours and 300km on Saturday will reveal all.<\/p>\n<p id=\"759fddbd-8089-4626-b29d-59aa030c86cf\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar supported by radically revamped UAE Team Emirates-XRG team for Milan-San Remo as he continues quest for victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-320-80.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 think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-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\">2025 runner-up Marianne Vos pulls out of Milan-San Remo at last minute as start list loses another big name<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-320-80.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 think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-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\">Bredene Koksijde Classic: Dylan Groenewegen speeds to victory as break caught in finale of hectic race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-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;A women&#8217;s Il Lombardia will happen but it&#8217;s complicated&#8217; \u2013 RCS Sport working on creating the missing women&#8217;s Monument<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Illness forces Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini to pull out of Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-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\">Big surprise as Mads Pedersen set for return at Milan-San Remo after breaking his wrist and collarbone earlier in season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.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\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.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: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF.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\">How to watch Milan-San Remo 2026 \u2013 Live streams, TV channels for La Classicissima<\/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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/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;I think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Is Felt back? We wind tunnel tested the new &#8216;Nexar&#8217; aero bike to see how it stacks up<\/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\">Felt returns with an all-new aero bike: Good on paper, but a let-down in the real world<\/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<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-20T16:47:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">A look back at the Slovenian&#8217;s failed attempts and how his new supporting cast can guide him to success at the hardest Monument to win<\/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\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2022<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base 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it ahead of the Classics specialists and sprinters if everything were to go perfectly across the 300km of racing.<\/p>\n<p>The nature of the route, which comes fully to life in the final 30km on the Cipressa (5.6km at 4.1%) and Poggio (3.7km at 3.1%) climbs, and really lacks elevation gain for much of the opening 240km outside of the Passo del Turchino, has always made it a challenge for the four-time Tour de France winner to make a difference.<\/p>\n<p id=\"9f79519e-4ff6-4533-99fb-008ef9cf1971-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He&#8217;s attacked both climbs with full commitment in the past four years, but has never been able to get away solo on either. That&#8217;s even with his team blowing the race to pieces on the Cipressa last season and leaving just him, Mathieu van der Poel and Filippo Ganna ahead before the Poggio in unprecedented fashion.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/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\/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-[#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\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar supported by radically revamped UAE Team Emirates-XRG team for Milan-San Remo as he continues quest for victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Will 2026 finally be his year? Even Van der Poel has said it&#8217;s &#8220;only a matter of time&#8221; before the world champion adds his name to the list of champions in San Remo, but the build-up to Saturday&#8217;s race has ignited ample discussion over just how he will be able to do it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Eddy Merckx has told him to use the Poggio, a forecast headwind is making another Cipressa assault look less likely to stay away, and it does still seem as though perfection will be the only way he conquers &#8220;the hardest Monument to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Taking a look back through Poga\u010dar&#8217;s latest four previous appearances at Milan-San Remo \u2013 without his 2020 debut, which ended in 12th in a chasing group sprint \u2013 it&#8217;s important to note where UAE missed the mark and how they can try to right those minor mistakes in this latest attempt.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-s-failed-attempts-at-milan-san-remo-3\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failed attempts at Milan-San Remo<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2022\"><span>2022<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"2218feef-280f-496f-bd26-c81c3b0aa90a\">\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\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ulissi led out Poga\u010dar on the Poggio in 2022 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"1bcbe6ea-a10e-4b50-8bd2-12343efadf2a\">Poga\u010dar arrived at Milan-San Remo 2022 off the back of his best season yet, having successfully defended his Tour de France crown and won his first two Monuments at Il Lombardia and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in 2021.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ready to take on the race, it was indeed his UAE team who would try to move it away from the &#8216;sprinter&#8217;s Monument&#8217;, and that started, of course, at the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p>They didn&#8217;t lead into the base of the iconic ascent, which became a common trend in subsequent years, with Bahrain-Victorious and then Jumbo-Visma taking over for Matej Mohori\u010d and Wout van Aert, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Jan Polanc moved to the front and started to up the pace for Poga\u010dar, but it was an infernal tempo set by Davide Formolo that really started to rip things up. It was described on commentary as &#8220;the most selective ascent in years&#8221; by Rob Hatch, but none of his main rivals were really put into difficulty yet.<\/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\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-150-80.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 think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in 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-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/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<p>Formolo split things and ruined a lot of sprinters&#8217; days, but it wasn&#8217;t a full lead-out, just a stinging of the legs by UAE.<\/p>\n<p>As they approached the Poggio, Visma took over the lead through Christophe Laporte and Van Aert, and Poga\u010dar had to be moved up by Diego Ulissi before mounting his first attack of the final climb.<\/p>\n<p>8.2km to go is when he went, and he made four big bursts in total to try and get away, but former winner Van Aert was always in his wheel to neutralise him. Eventually, he did enter the descent in second, but with S\u00f8ren Kragh Andersen in front and Van der Poel and Van Aert on his wheel.<\/p>\n<p>As Mohori\u010d caught and passed the leaders, starting his death-defying bid for glory on the descent, Poga\u010dar could not match the risks of his compatriot and had to settle for fifth in the small group sprint behind. He&#8217;d shown his intent, but neither he nor UAE had the firepower to explode away on such short climbs, for now.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2023\"><span>2023<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"51637f63-f765-4161-9090-4b335aff19a8\">\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\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar, Ganna, Van Aert and Van der Poel during the 2023 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"cb38a641-c50c-4b13-a3ce-a3a22b6497dd\">He returned a year later for more, but again, the Cipressa didn&#8217;t start perfectly for UAE as Ineos Grenadiers held control at the base. Six hundred metres in and with 26.5km to go, however, UAE had moved up with four riders left to support the Slovenian: Ulissi, Tim Wellens, Matteo Trentin and Felix Gro\u00dfschartner.<\/p>\n<p>They paced hard on the front in a line, but it wasn&#8217;t the all-out assault we came to see last season, with the pressure only really doing for the pure sprinters and not putting too much pressure on their main rivals.<\/p>\n<p>Ineos Grenadiers ended up taking over for the descent, and it was Bahrain Victorious who overtook them at the bottom of the Poggio to lead out the final ascent. Again, this meant that 1.2km of the climb were taken on without UAE putting on the pressure, and it wasn&#8217;t until 8km to go that Formolo&#8217;s replacement for the day, Wellens, moved to the front for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>When Poga\u010dar attacked with 6.6km to go, it was the usual suspects following him, Kragh Andersen on his wheel and Ganna, Van Aert and Van der Poel quickly getting into action as well. The Dane dropped after doing his job for the latter, and eventually, the four riders were clear, leading to the iconic images of them, but not the image Poga\u010dar would have wanted.<\/p>\n<p>Having failed to get away again on the Poggio, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s race was as good as run, and with 5.5km to go, a massive Van der Poel counter-attack left him and the other three unable to respond. The Dutchman would descend brilliantly and ride solo to the finish, with the race&#8217;s primary animator, Poga\u010dar, improving his best result in fourth, but without what he came for.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2024\"><span>2024<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7c663829-a8e5-4030-8e6e-5dea2bdae03c\">\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\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"d9b01110-7f0b-49f0-8f9f-6f398923e398\">A third year in a row of trying to tame the beast that is Milan-San Remo saw UAE again really try to tear things up on the Cipressa, but after being in the perfect spot with 33km to go, their positioning fell to pieces in the next 6km of the approach.<\/p>\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost and Ineos led the bunch onto the climb, and though Poga\u010dar was eventually brought to the front, he only had Alessandro Covi for company initially, who began to wind up the pace.<\/p>\n<p>Help wasn&#8217;t too far away in the form of Isaac del Toro and Wellens, but they had to waste key energy moving up through the wheels, which could have been saved if they were positioned better.<\/p>\n<p>Once the young Del Toro hit the front, his effort was long, but ran out of punch quickly, and the bunch swelled on the front as he faded, perhaps paying for his efforts to move up and then having to pace. Wellens took over at 23.5km to go, but he was the only teammate left.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar did get him to briefly up the tempo, but it became clear he would need him for the Poggio, and once the descent was completed, Tudor and Ineos had moved into the front positions for the likes of Trentin and Ganna.<\/p>\n<p>Wellens didn&#8217;t see the front again until a kilometre of the Poggio had been raced, launching a full lead-out for Poga\u010dar to try and attack away once more. Once more, 6.6km to go was where he went, but Van der Poel had already hitched himself onto the back wheel and responded well.<\/p>\n<p>He stopped his surge when everyone was still in play behind, which prompted a brief move from former winner Jasper Stuyven, and this provided the perfect moment for Poga\u010dar to counter, launching up the inside with Van der Poel sat around seventh wheel in the group.<\/p>\n<p>To this day, it&#8217;s as much separation as he&#8217;s ever managed to eke out on the Poggio, but behind him was an in-form Van der Poel who wasn&#8217;t going to watch the race go up the road. An incredible effort saw him blast across and all but completely catch the Slovenian before he rounded the final corner and onto the descent.<\/p>\n<p>With the favourites cancelling each other out, a bigger group returned at the base, and a sprint was likely. Others like Mohori\u010d and Tom Pidcock tried to attack away, but Van der Poel chased them all, knowing his sprinter, Jasper Philipsen, had made it over in the group.<\/p>\n<p>Once they opened up, Poga\u010dar chanced his luck in the finale, but was unable to come over the top of his two close friends, Philipsen and Michael Matthews. He&#8217;d almost done it this time, but again Van der Poel was the thorn in his side, even without winning it himself in the end.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2025\"><span>2025<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"2afd7e7c-9b9b-4b3f-9dd8-c9cbc0693e9b\">\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\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Narv\u00e1ez had to move up on the Cipressa after being out of position <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3292642c-1588-47c1-aa94-f4d1db7c72f3\">Last year will long stand out as one of the most unique editions in history, with UAE getting the Cipressa lead-out as close to perfect as they have yet, but again, they didn&#8217;t lead onto the base of it in first.<\/p>\n<p>EF and Ineos had that position locked off, with Alpecin and Van der Poel brilliantly placed too. A crash at the base also rippled through the peloton, so not everyone was in team order.<\/p>\n<p>UAE did take over through Wellens with 26.9km to go, but Poga\u010dar was hardly in view around 20 wheels behind his Belgian teammate.<\/p>\n<p>He was moved up by a new colleague, Narv\u00e1ez, but with one cog in the well-oiled machine missing \u2013 Del Toro. He was not in position and left the Ecuadorian with two jobs to do: move up his leader and then do the final lead-out.<\/p>\n<p>Once Wellens pulled off, there was no direct transition into Narv\u00e1ez as they still had around four riders to come past. As they hit the front with 3.8km of the climb left to complete, his all-out pull lasted 1:30, and Poga\u010dar launched just after the right-hand hairpin with 24.6km to go.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna was closest, but Van der sensed the danger of an unprecedented solo win and moved onto his rival&#8217;s wheel. He attacked again 1.5 km from the top, which did distance the Italian, but still didn&#8217;t do for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>He and UAE had done something unseen at San Remo and blown the race to pieces on the Cipressa as they had been threatening to do for years, but he wasn&#8217;t alone as they might have hoped \u2013 once more, he would have to try on the Poggio.<\/p>\n<p>Attacking at the base of the 3.7km ascent got rid of Ganna, but Van der Poel was ever-present, latching onto all the subsequent moves he tried approaching the top, and even countering him with 600 metres to go.<\/p>\n<p>The three came back together in the final kilometre after the descent, but Poga\u010dar was always going to be the underdog in the sprint, and Van der Poel&#8217;s savvy racecraft, even under massive fatigue, saw him surge away in the sprint with an early, surprise kick.<\/p>\n<p>The Slovenian would finish third for the second year running, but he was close to an historic solo move, and would know there could have been more room to drop Van der Poel on Cipressa had their positioning been perfect and Del Toro not missed his mark.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-they-utilise-their-team-to-win-it-in-2026\"><span>How they utilise their team to win it in 2026<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"f24ed390-e4b1-4724-b3df-7a4a4bb8c41d\">Wellens and Narv\u00e1ez are the key missing pieces from the 2026 startlist for UAE, but they are still fielding a very strong team to try and finally bring Poga\u010dar one of the two one-day wins he wants most, alongside Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Isaac del Toro <\/strong>is the most luxurious domestique of all, as a top-five favourite for the race in his own right. If UAE follow a similar blueprint to last year, his job is almost certainly to be that final lead-out on the Cipressa which Poga\u010dar will attack off the back of.<\/p>\n<p>Predicted headwinds in the run for home make a Cipressa solo move even less likely to stick than it already is, so Del Toro&#8217;s talents could well be saved for the Poggio. In any case, he should be the world champion&#8217;s right-hand man.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s also a world in which he and Poga\u010dar roll attacks on the Poggio to try and sting the legs of Van der Poel and company, before one of the pair attacks away. He&#8217;s much more experienced and stronger than in his previous two experiences, so big things should be expected of the Mexican on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>After his stunning burst at Strade Bianche, a lot will be expected of <strong>Jan Christen <\/strong>and his punch, and he should be the second-last rider in the train in front of Del Toro. A full pace lead-out from Christen could really hurt the bunch before Del Toro does more damage, but he has raced an awful lot already in 2026, so he may be missing a gear or two.<\/p>\n<p>If the Swiss rider isn&#8217;t on his best day, either <strong>Brandon McNulty<\/strong> or <strong>Felix Gro\u00dfschartner <\/strong>could fill in, with the American still an underrated one-day racer, and the Austrian being able to really light up a climb on his day.<\/p>\n<p>McNulty has never raced San Remo before, and the Austrian has only been there twice in 2020 and 2023, which is to their disadvantage, but Poga\u010dar does make their work simpler, knowing that it will all be about positioning him and upping the pace when he calls for it, be that on Cipressa or Poggio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Florian Vermeersch <\/strong>should be on positioning duty as Matteo Trentin would have been in previous years. Whether UAE want to use the Cipressa or the Poggio to launch, he should be in front of Poga\u010dar at the key moments, as the most likely to get him to the base of either climb in a prime position.<\/p>\n<p>His climbing may not be good enough to really lead things out as a Wellens would have, but he could prove vital for his leader in the fight for wheels.<\/p>\n<p>Trusted Slovenian <strong>Domen Novak<\/strong> will likely do a lot of the early work on the 300km day, but he has played a critical role in Monument successes for his compatriot over the years, notably at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, so don&#8217;t be surprised if he ends up as the third or second last man in the climbing train.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s not UAE&#8217;s first-string Classics team by any means, but there is enough there to feasibly get Poga\u010dar ahead, who, more importantly, is seemingly getting stronger than ever each and every time he races.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s got those previous failed attempts to draw from as experience, so he knows well where this race has gone wrong in the past \u2013 is 2026 finally the year he gets ahead on either climb without a Van der Poel with him? Seven hours and 300km on Saturday will reveal all.<\/p>\n<p id=\"759fddbd-8089-4626-b29d-59aa030c86cf\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar supported by radically revamped UAE Team Emirates-XRG team for Milan-San Remo as he continues quest for victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-320-80.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 think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSfCMjvWiFN6D6XgYgsidL-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\">2025 runner-up Marianne Vos pulls out of Milan-San Remo at last minute as start list loses another big name<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-320-80.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 think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-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\">Bredene Koksijde Classic: Dylan Groenewegen speeds to victory as break caught in finale of hectic race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JtYB6FjBhJpF9S7HxHAawe-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;A women&#8217;s Il Lombardia will happen but it&#8217;s complicated&#8217; \u2013 RCS Sport working on creating the missing women&#8217;s Monument<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9D8s4LGq9vnKFntCESgLi-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Illness forces Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini to pull out of Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZuMSJgcYAmdrGir4W3ekD-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\">Big surprise as Mads Pedersen set for return at Milan-San Remo after breaking his wrist and collarbone earlier in season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.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\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.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: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div 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 class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ntfobZ8iWb4PLKqhvznUF.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\">How to watch Milan-San Remo 2026 \u2013 Live streams, TV channels for La Classicissima<\/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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/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;I think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Is Felt back? We wind tunnel tested the new &#8216;Nexar&#8217; aero bike to see how it stacks up<\/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\">Felt returns with an all-new aero bike: Good on paper, but a let-down in the real world<\/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<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-20T16:47:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">A look back at the Slovenian&#8217;s failed attempts and how his new supporting cast can guide him to success at the hardest Monument to win<\/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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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"9f79519e-4ff6-4533-99fb-008ef9cf1971\">Milan-San Remo has remained a vital ambition of Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s, likely ever since he realised he <em>could, <\/em>in theory, win it ahead of the Classics specialists and sprinters if everything were to go perfectly across the 300km of racing.<\/p>\n<p>The nature of the route, which comes fully to life in the final 30km on the Cipressa (5.6km at 4.1%) and Poggio (3.7km at 3.1%) climbs, and really lacks elevation gain for much of the opening 240km outside of the Passo del Turchino, has always made it a challenge for the four-time Tour de France winner to make a difference.<\/p>\n<p id=\"9f79519e-4ff6-4533-99fb-008ef9cf1971-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He&#8217;s attacked both climbs with full commitment in the past four years, but has never been able to get away solo on either. That&#8217;s even with his team blowing the race to pieces on the Cipressa last season and leaving just him, Mathieu van der Poel and Filippo Ganna ahead before the Poggio in unprecedented fashion.<\/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\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-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\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/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\/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-[#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\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar supported by radically revamped UAE Team Emirates-XRG team for Milan-San Remo as he continues quest for victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Will 2026 finally be his year? Even Van der Poel has said it&#8217;s &#8220;only a matter of time&#8221; before the world champion adds his name to the list of champions in San Remo, but the build-up to Saturday&#8217;s race has ignited ample discussion over just how he will be able to do it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Eddy Merckx has told him to use the Poggio, a forecast headwind is making another Cipressa assault look less likely to stay away, and it does still seem as though perfection will be the only way he conquers &#8220;the hardest Monument to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Taking a look back through Poga\u010dar&#8217;s latest four previous appearances at Milan-San Remo \u2013 without his 2020 debut, which ended in 12th in a chasing group sprint \u2013 it&#8217;s important to note where UAE missed the mark and how they can try to right those minor mistakes in this latest attempt.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-s-failed-attempts-at-milan-san-remo-3\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s failed attempts at Milan-San Remo<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2022\"><span>2022<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"2218feef-280f-496f-bd26-c81c3b0aa90a\">\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\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vyRwC7kQiGBcUDPuenSrCR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Ulissi led out Poga\u010dar on the Poggio in 2022 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"1bcbe6ea-a10e-4b50-8bd2-12343efadf2a\">Poga\u010dar arrived at Milan-San Remo 2022 off the back of his best season yet, having successfully defended his Tour de France crown and won his first two Monuments at Il Lombardia and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in 2021.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-dXAfXkh8rssFj4SpBGckq8 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ready to take on the race, it was indeed his UAE team who would try to move it away from the &#8216;sprinter&#8217;s Monument&#8217;, and that started, of course, at the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p>They didn&#8217;t lead into the base of the iconic ascent, which became a common trend in subsequent years, with Bahrain-Victorious and then Jumbo-Visma taking over for Matej Mohori\u010d and Wout van Aert, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Jan Polanc moved to the front and started to up the pace for Poga\u010dar, but it was an infernal tempo set by Davide Formolo that really started to rip things up. It was described on commentary as &#8220;the most selective ascent in years&#8221; by Rob Hatch, but none of his main rivals were really put into difficulty yet.<\/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\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rTVTPKRxkgcTqZZ882V6H7-150-80.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 think UAE have a new plan&#8217; \u2013 Here&#8217;s what rival team sports directors expect from Tadej Poga\u010dar in 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-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-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\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/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<p>Formolo split things and ruined a lot of sprinters&#8217; days, but it wasn&#8217;t a full lead-out, just a stinging of the legs by UAE.<\/p>\n<p>As they approached the Poggio, Visma took over the lead through Christophe Laporte and Van Aert, and Poga\u010dar had to be moved up by Diego Ulissi before mounting his first attack of the final climb.<\/p>\n<p>8.2km to go is when he went, and he made four big bursts in total to try and get away, but former winner Van Aert was always in his wheel to neutralise him. Eventually, he did enter the descent in second, but with S\u00f8ren Kragh Andersen in front and Van der Poel and Van Aert on his wheel.<\/p>\n<p>As Mohori\u010d caught and passed the leaders, starting his death-defying bid for glory on the descent, Poga\u010dar could not match the risks of his compatriot and had to settle for fifth in the small group sprint behind. He&#8217;d shown his intent, but neither he nor UAE had the firepower to explode away on such short climbs, for now.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2023\"><span>2023<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"51637f63-f765-4161-9090-4b335aff19a8\">\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\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zuqdHGyivSVR696tVb23kY-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar, Ganna, Van Aert and Van der Poel during the 2023 edition <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"cb38a641-c50c-4b13-a3ce-a3a22b6497dd\">He returned a year later for more, but again, the Cipressa didn&#8217;t start perfectly for UAE as Ineos Grenadiers held control at the base. Six hundred metres in and with 26.5km to go, however, UAE had moved up with four riders left to support the Slovenian: Ulissi, Tim Wellens, Matteo Trentin and Felix Gro\u00dfschartner.<\/p>\n<p>They paced hard on the front in a line, but it wasn&#8217;t the all-out assault we came to see last season, with the pressure only really doing for the pure sprinters and not putting too much pressure on their main rivals.<\/p>\n<p>Ineos Grenadiers ended up taking over for the descent, and it was Bahrain Victorious who overtook them at the bottom of the Poggio to lead out the final ascent. Again, this meant that 1.2km of the climb were taken on without UAE putting on the pressure, and it wasn&#8217;t until 8km to go that Formolo&#8217;s replacement for the day, Wellens, moved to the front for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>When Poga\u010dar attacked with 6.6km to go, it was the usual suspects following him, Kragh Andersen on his wheel and Ganna, Van Aert and Van der Poel quickly getting into action as well. The Dane dropped after doing his job for the latter, and eventually, the four riders were clear, leading to the iconic images of them, but not the image Poga\u010dar would have wanted.<\/p>\n<p>Having failed to get away again on the Poggio, Poga\u010dar&#8217;s race was as good as run, and with 5.5km to go, a massive Van der Poel counter-attack left him and the other three unable to respond. The Dutchman would descend brilliantly and ride solo to the finish, with the race&#8217;s primary animator, Poga\u010dar, improving his best result in fourth, but without what he came for.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2024\"><span>2024<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7c663829-a8e5-4030-8e6e-5dea2bdae03c\">\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\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PLxJR4gnfDTDDyGNmBoV5f-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"d9b01110-7f0b-49f0-8f9f-6f398923e398\">A third year in a row of trying to tame the beast that is Milan-San Remo saw UAE again really try to tear things up on the Cipressa, but after being in the perfect spot with 33km to go, their positioning fell to pieces in the next 6km of the approach.<\/p>\n<p>EF Education-EasyPost and Ineos led the bunch onto the climb, and though Poga\u010dar was eventually brought to the front, he only had Alessandro Covi for company initially, who began to wind up the pace.<\/p>\n<p>Help wasn&#8217;t too far away in the form of Isaac del Toro and Wellens, but they had to waste key energy moving up through the wheels, which could have been saved if they were positioned better.<\/p>\n<p>Once the young Del Toro hit the front, his effort was long, but ran out of punch quickly, and the bunch swelled on the front as he faded, perhaps paying for his efforts to move up and then having to pace. Wellens took over at 23.5km to go, but he was the only teammate left.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar did get him to briefly up the tempo, but it became clear he would need him for the Poggio, and once the descent was completed, Tudor and Ineos had moved into the front positions for the likes of Trentin and Ganna.<\/p>\n<p>Wellens didn&#8217;t see the front again until a kilometre of the Poggio had been raced, launching a full lead-out for Poga\u010dar to try and attack away once more. Once more, 6.6km to go was where he went, but Van der Poel had already hitched himself onto the back wheel and responded well.<\/p>\n<p>He stopped his surge when everyone was still in play behind, which prompted a brief move from former winner Jasper Stuyven, and this provided the perfect moment for Poga\u010dar to counter, launching up the inside with Van der Poel sat around seventh wheel in the group.<\/p>\n<p>To this day, it&#8217;s as much separation as he&#8217;s ever managed to eke out on the Poggio, but behind him was an in-form Van der Poel who wasn&#8217;t going to watch the race go up the road. An incredible effort saw him blast across and all but completely catch the Slovenian before he rounded the final corner and onto the descent.<\/p>\n<p>With the favourites cancelling each other out, a bigger group returned at the base, and a sprint was likely. Others like Mohori\u010d and Tom Pidcock tried to attack away, but Van der Poel chased them all, knowing his sprinter, Jasper Philipsen, had made it over in the group.<\/p>\n<p>Once they opened up, Poga\u010dar chanced his luck in the finale, but was unable to come over the top of his two close friends, Philipsen and Michael Matthews. He&#8217;d almost done it this time, but again Van der Poel was the thorn in his side, even without winning it himself in the end.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-2025\"><span>2025<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"2afd7e7c-9b9b-4b3f-9dd8-c9cbc0693e9b\">\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\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g2rDkZWXh9oRMRGZf5n2zB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Narv\u00e1ez had to move up on the Cipressa after being out of position <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3292642c-1588-47c1-aa94-f4d1db7c72f3\">Last year will long stand out as one of the most unique editions in history, with UAE getting the Cipressa lead-out as close to perfect as they have yet, but again, they didn&#8217;t lead onto the base of it in first.<\/p>\n<p>EF and Ineos had that position locked off, with Alpecin and Van der Poel brilliantly placed too. A crash at the base also rippled through the peloton, so not everyone was in team order.<\/p>\n<p>UAE did take over through Wellens with 26.9km to go, but Poga\u010dar was hardly in view around 20 wheels behind his Belgian teammate.<\/p>\n<p>He was moved up by a new colleague, Narv\u00e1ez, but with one cog in the well-oiled machine missing \u2013 Del Toro. He was not in position and left the Ecuadorian with two jobs to do: move up his leader and then do the final lead-out.<\/p>\n<p>Once Wellens pulled off, there was no direct transition into Narv\u00e1ez as they still had around four riders to come past. As they hit the front with 3.8km of the climb left to complete, his all-out pull lasted 1:30, and Poga\u010dar launched just after the right-hand hairpin with 24.6km to go.<\/p>\n<p>Ganna was closest, but Van der sensed the danger of an unprecedented solo win and moved onto his rival&#8217;s wheel. He attacked again 1.5 km from the top, which did distance the Italian, but still didn&#8217;t do for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>He and UAE had done something unseen at San Remo and blown the race to pieces on the Cipressa as they had been threatening to do for years, but he wasn&#8217;t alone as they might have hoped \u2013 once more, he would have to try on the Poggio.<\/p>\n<p>Attacking at the base of the 3.7km ascent got rid of Ganna, but Van der Poel was ever-present, latching onto all the subsequent moves he tried approaching the top, and even countering him with 600 metres to go.<\/p>\n<p>The three came back together in the final kilometre after the descent, but Poga\u010dar was always going to be the underdog in the sprint, and Van der Poel&#8217;s savvy racecraft, even under massive fatigue, saw him surge away in the sprint with an early, surprise kick.<\/p>\n<p>The Slovenian would finish third for the second year running, but he was close to an historic solo move, and would know there could have been more room to drop Van der Poel on Cipressa had their positioning been perfect and Del Toro not missed his mark.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-they-utilise-their-team-to-win-it-in-2026\"><span>How they utilise their team to win it in 2026<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"f24ed390-e4b1-4724-b3df-7a4a4bb8c41d\">Wellens and Narv\u00e1ez are the key missing pieces from the 2026 startlist for UAE, but they are still fielding a very strong team to try and finally bring Poga\u010dar one of the two one-day wins he wants most, alongside Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Isaac del Toro <\/strong>is the most luxurious domestique of all, as a top-five favourite for the race in his own right. If UAE follow a similar blueprint to last year, his job is almost certainly to be that final lead-out on the Cipressa which Poga\u010dar will attack off the back of.<\/p>\n<p>Predicted headwinds in the run for home make a Cipressa solo move even less likely to stick than it already is, so Del Toro&#8217;s talents could well be saved for the Poggio. In any case, he should be the world champion&#8217;s right-hand man.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s also a world in which he and Poga\u010dar roll attacks on the Poggio to try and sting the legs of Van der Poel and company, before one of the pair attacks away. He&#8217;s much more experienced and stronger than in his previous two experiences, so big things should be expected of the Mexican on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>After his stunning burst at Strade Bianche, a lot will be expected of <strong>Jan Christen <\/strong>and his punch, and he should be the second-last rider in the train in front of Del Toro. A full pace lead-out from Christen could really hurt the bunch before Del Toro does more damage, but he has raced an awful lot already in 2026, so he may be missing a gear or two.<\/p>\n<p>If the Swiss rider isn&#8217;t on his best day, either <strong>Brandon McNulty<\/strong> or <strong>Felix Gro\u00dfschartner <\/strong>could fill in, with the American still an underrated one-day racer, and the Austrian being able to really light up a climb on his day.<\/p>\n<p>McNulty has never raced San Remo before, and the Austrian has only been there twice in 2020 and 2023, which is to their disadvantage, but Poga\u010dar does make their work simpler, knowing that it will all be about positioning him and upping the pace when he calls for it, be that on Cipressa or Poggio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Florian Vermeersch <\/strong>should be on positioning duty as Matteo Trentin would have been in previous years. Whether UAE want to use the Cipressa or the Poggio to launch, he should be in front of Poga\u010dar at the key moments, as the most likely to get him to the base of either climb in a prime position.<\/p>\n<p>His climbing may not be good enough to really lead things out as a Wellens would have, but he could prove vital for his leader in the fight for wheels.<\/p>\n<p>Trusted Slovenian <strong>Domen Novak<\/strong> will likely do a lot of the early work on the 300km day, but he has played a critical role in Monument successes for his compatriot over the years, notably at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, so don&#8217;t be surprised if he ends up as the third or second last man in the climbing train.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s not UAE&#8217;s first-string Classics team by any means, but there is enough there to feasibly get Poga\u010dar ahead, who, more importantly, is seemingly getting stronger than ever each and every time he races.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s got those previous failed attempts to draw from as experience, so he knows well where this race has gone wrong in the past \u2013 is 2026 finally the year he gets ahead on either climb without a Van der Poel with him? Seven hours and 300km on Saturday will reveal all.<\/p>\n<p id=\"759fddbd-8089-4626-b29d-59aa030c86cf\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/chasing-perfection-on-cipressa-and-poggio-where-have-tadej-pogacar-and-uae-team-emirates-xrg-fallen-short-at-milan-san-remo-and-how-do-they-finally-win-it-in-2026\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Milan-San Remo Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026? Features By James Moultrie published 20 March 2026 A look back at the Slovenian&#8217;s failed attempts and [&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-1837505","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\/1837505","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=1837505"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1837505\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1837505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1837505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1837505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}