{"id":1839418,"date":"2026-03-21T16:40:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T13:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1839418"},"modified":"2026-03-21T16:40:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T13:40:37","slug":"she-was-the-plan-a-defending-champion-lorena-wiebes-happy-to-play-team-role-for-sd-worx-protime-as-lotte-kopecky-wins-milan-san-remo-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1839418","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T16:40:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">2025 winner relinquishes leadership as teammate keeps the title in the Dutch squad, finishes sixth on Via Roma<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes (L) celebrates Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s Milan-San Remo victory with her SD Worx-Protime teammates<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"b65d7ac5-1816-4bda-aac6-c4809038bc08\">As the winner of the 2025 edition of Milan-San Remo Women, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) started the 2026 race wearing the number one bib and was considered the woman to beat, leading all the lists of favourites for Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>But with her teammate Lotte Kopecky in increasing form, the Dutch squad decided to play to its strengths and give the Belgian the main leadership \u2013 a move that paid off as she triumphed from a group of five that got away on the Poggio.<\/p>\n<p id=\"b65d7ac5-1816-4bda-aac6-c4809038bc08-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Actually, Lotte was the plan A. I was more of a plan B. If it had come to a sprint, it was a 90% chance to go for Lotte, and she was also free to attack whenever she wanted. We had an open race for her today,&#8221; said Wiebes after winning the sprint from the chasing peloton to finish sixth.<\/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\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-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;We make agreements&#8217; \u2013 How Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky divide the spoils as they head into the Spring Classics<\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo Women: Lotte Kopecky holds off Noemi R\u00fcegg for sprint victory on Via Roma<\/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\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-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\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In an all-star team like SD Worx-Protime, managing the demands of all riders is an important part of the team atmosphere, and Wiebes said that she was happy to let her teammate go for victory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;She made this a goal of her season, and we want to give her the trust that she can also finish it off instead of me,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;For me, it was not really a key race to win again. It&#8217;s always nice to win, but if you&#8217;ve won it already, then you can also give opportunities to others.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The team controlled the race, bringing back the early breakaway and then using Blanka Vas to reduce the gap to lone attacker Lieke Nooijen (Visma-Lease a Bike) between the Cipressa and Poggio.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There, on the day&#8217;s final climb, Kopecky followed an attack by Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was a perfect situation for us with Lotte in the group of five in front of me. Luckily, it took long before the chase was on in our group,&#8221; Wiebes said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was my own mistake that meant I wasn&#8217;t in the front group, but if I had been in the front group, they probably would not ride with me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-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 hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Small group battles over victory in Milan-San Remo Women<\/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\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-150-80.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 never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Dutch champion Wiebes, meanwhile, kept close to the front of the chasing peloton, ready to sprint for victory if the group with Kopecky were to be caught.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With this kind of situation, I always keep in mind, if the group is coming back, I need to be ready to sprint, but that was not needed today,&#8221; concluded Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, Kopecky had the strength left to outsprint Noemi R\u00fcegg (EF Education-Oatly) for the win, while Eleonora Gasparrini (UAE Team ADQ), Pieterse, and Dominika W\u0142odarczyk (UAE Team ADQ) rounded out the top five.<\/p>\n<p id=\"4b982d97-d5ac-45f5-89f5-ff2d7911f9de\"><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-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/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\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-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;We make agreements&#8217; \u2013 How Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky divide the spoils as they head into the Spring 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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-320-80.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 (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milan-San Remo Women: Lotte Kopecky holds off Noemi R\u00fcegg for sprint victory on Via Roma<\/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\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-320-80.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\">As it happened: Small group battles over victory in 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\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 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>\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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting one step closer every year, so maybe next year&#8217; &#8211; Noemi R\u00fcegg emotional after second Milan-San Remo podium<\/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\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-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;They didn&#8217;t look good&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar gives update on serious Milan-San Remo Women crash which saw Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney among the fallers<\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-320-80.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 (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milan-San Remo Women: Lotte Kopecky holds off Noemi R\u00fcegg for sprint victory on Via Roma<\/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\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-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\">No Longo Borghini, no Vos, a headwind \u2013 Is Milan-San Remo Women playing into the sprinters&#8217; hands again? Team directors analyse the 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\/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\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning 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\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/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\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/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\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t hold my handlebars properly anymore&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel sheds light on the crash and injury which left him out of the running 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\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert caught in crash in finale of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting one step closer every year, so maybe next year&#8217; &#8211; Noemi R\u00fcegg emotional after second Milan-San Remo podium<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning 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\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/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 can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t hold my handlebars properly anymore&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel sheds light on the crash and injury which left him out of the running at Milan-San Remo<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/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>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T16:40:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">2025 winner relinquishes leadership as teammate keeps the title in the Dutch squad, finishes sixth on Via Roma<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lorena Wiebes (L) celebrates Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s Milan-San Remo victory with her SD Worx-Protime teammates<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"b65d7ac5-1816-4bda-aac6-c4809038bc08\">As the winner of the 2025 edition of Milan-San Remo Women, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) started the 2026 race wearing the number one bib and was considered the woman to beat, leading all the lists of favourites for Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>But with her teammate Lotte Kopecky in increasing form, the Dutch squad decided to play to its strengths and give the Belgian the main leadership \u2013 a move that paid off as she triumphed from a group of five that got away on the Poggio.<\/p>\n<p id=\"b65d7ac5-1816-4bda-aac6-c4809038bc08-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Actually, Lotte was the plan A. I was more of a plan B. If it had come to a sprint, it was a 90% chance to go for Lotte, and she was also free to attack whenever she wanted. We had an open race for her today,&#8221; said Wiebes after winning the sprint from the chasing peloton to finish sixth.<\/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\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-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;We make agreements&#8217; \u2013 How Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky divide the spoils as they head into the Spring Classics<\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo Women: Lotte Kopecky holds off Noemi R\u00fcegg for sprint victory on Via Roma<\/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\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-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\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In an all-star team like SD Worx-Protime, managing the demands of all riders is an important part of the team atmosphere, and Wiebes said that she was happy to let her teammate go for victory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;She made this a goal of her season, and we want to give her the trust that she can also finish it off instead of me,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;For me, it was not really a key race to win again. It&#8217;s always nice to win, but if you&#8217;ve won it already, then you can also give opportunities to others.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The team controlled the race, bringing back the early breakaway and then using Blanka Vas to reduce the gap to lone attacker Lieke Nooijen (Visma-Lease a Bike) between the Cipressa and Poggio.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There, on the day&#8217;s final climb, Kopecky followed an attack by Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was a perfect situation for us with Lotte in the group of five in front of me. Luckily, it took long before the chase was on in our group,&#8221; Wiebes said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was my own mistake that meant I wasn&#8217;t in the front group, but if I had been in the front group, they probably would not ride with me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-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 hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Small group battles over victory in Milan-San Remo Women<\/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\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-150-80.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 never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Dutch champion Wiebes, meanwhile, kept close to the front of the chasing peloton, ready to sprint for victory if the group with Kopecky were to be caught.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With this kind of situation, I always keep in mind, if the group is coming back, I need to be ready to sprint, but that was not needed today,&#8221; concluded Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, Kopecky had the strength left to outsprint Noemi R\u00fcegg (EF Education-Oatly) for the win, while Eleonora Gasparrini (UAE Team ADQ), Pieterse, and Dominika W\u0142odarczyk (UAE Team ADQ) rounded out the top five.<\/p>\n<p id=\"4b982d97-d5ac-45f5-89f5-ff2d7911f9de\"><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-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/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\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-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;We make agreements&#8217; \u2013 How Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky divide the spoils as they head into the Spring 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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-320-80.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 (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milan-San Remo Women: Lotte Kopecky holds off Noemi R\u00fcegg for sprint victory on Via Roma<\/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\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-320-80.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\">As it happened: Small group battles over victory in 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\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 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>\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 Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/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\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting one step closer every year, so maybe next year&#8217; &#8211; Noemi R\u00fcegg emotional after second Milan-San Remo podium<\/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\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J2avf6xE8QvUgi8SMahDTc-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;They didn&#8217;t look good&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar gives update on serious Milan-San Remo Women crash which saw Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney among the fallers<\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-320-80.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 (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milan-San Remo Women: Lotte Kopecky holds off Noemi R\u00fcegg for sprint victory on Via Roma<\/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\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-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\">No Longo Borghini, no Vos, a headwind \u2013 Is Milan-San Remo Women playing into the sprinters&#8217; hands again? Team directors analyse the 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\/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\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning 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\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/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\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/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\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t hold my handlebars properly anymore&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel sheds light on the crash and injury which left him out of the running 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\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert caught in crash in finale of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHSmn8TtspEmPASkt8VLQH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting one step closer every year, so maybe next year&#8217; &#8211; Noemi R\u00fcegg emotional after second Milan-San Remo podium<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning 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\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/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 can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t hold my handlebars properly anymore&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel sheds light on the crash and injury which left him out of the running at Milan-San Remo<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/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>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T16:40:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">2025 winner relinquishes leadership as teammate keeps the title in the Dutch squad, finishes sixth on Via Roma<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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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=\"b65d7ac5-1816-4bda-aac6-c4809038bc08\">As the winner of the 2025 edition of Milan-San Remo Women, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) started the 2026 race wearing the number one bib and was considered the woman to beat, leading all the lists of favourites for Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>But with her teammate Lotte Kopecky in increasing form, the Dutch squad decided to play to its strengths and give the Belgian the main leadership \u2013 a move that paid off as she triumphed from a group of five that got away on the Poggio.<\/p>\n<p id=\"b65d7ac5-1816-4bda-aac6-c4809038bc08-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Actually, Lotte was the plan A. I was more of a plan B. If it had come to a sprint, it was a 90% chance to go for Lotte, and she was also free to attack whenever she wanted. We had an open race for her today,&#8221; said Wiebes after winning the sprint from the chasing peloton to finish sixth.<\/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\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/epecAqbjxGLWyW6N8nja3X-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;We make agreements&#8217; \u2013 How Lorena Wiebes and Lotte Kopecky divide the spoils as they head into the Spring Classics<\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo Women: Lotte Kopecky holds off Noemi R\u00fcegg for sprint victory on Via Roma<\/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\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-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\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In an all-star team like SD Worx-Protime, managing the demands of all riders is an important part of the team atmosphere, and Wiebes said that she was happy to let her teammate go for victory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;She made this a goal of her season, and we want to give her the trust that she can also finish it off instead of me,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;For me, it was not really a key race to win again. It&#8217;s always nice to win, but if you&#8217;ve won it already, then you can also give opportunities to others.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The team controlled the race, bringing back the early breakaway and then using Blanka Vas to reduce the gap to lone attacker Lieke Nooijen (Visma-Lease a Bike) between the Cipressa and Poggio.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-R9vRwKUnMGikoowTVNExmE 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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There, on the day&#8217;s final climb, Kopecky followed an attack by Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was a perfect situation for us with Lotte in the group of five in front of me. Luckily, it took long before the chase was on in our group,&#8221; Wiebes said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was my own mistake that meant I wasn&#8217;t in the front group, but if I had been in the front group, they probably would not ride with me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6gZvEo47ryzGh9hp8L4rD-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 hope it gives me some freedom in the next races&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky shows threatening signs for Milan-San Remo with win in Belgium<\/span><\/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\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WQMmrE6d46kD2ay4urmFD8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Small group battles over victory in Milan-San Remo Women<\/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\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T4DrGGENYzCAGKZCqRpK74-150-80.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 never came back&#8217; &#8211; Untimely mechanical leads to heartache for Lotte Kopecky in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Dutch champion Wiebes, meanwhile, kept close to the front of the chasing peloton, ready to sprint for victory if the group with Kopecky were to be caught.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With this kind of situation, I always keep in mind, if the group is coming back, I need to be ready to sprint, but that was not needed today,&#8221; concluded Wiebes.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, Kopecky had the strength left to outsprint Noemi R\u00fcegg (EF Education-Oatly) for the win, while Eleonora Gasparrini (UAE Team ADQ), Pieterse, and Dominika W\u0142odarczyk (UAE Team ADQ) rounded out the top five.<\/p>\n<p id=\"4b982d97-d5ac-45f5-89f5-ff2d7911f9de\"><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\/womens-cycling\/she-was-the-plan-a-defending-champion-lorena-wiebes-happy-to-play-team-role-for-sd-worx-protime-as-lotte-kopecky-wins-milan-san-remo-women\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Road Milan-San Remo Women &#8216;She was the Plan A&#8217; \u2013 Defending champion Lorena Wiebes happy to play team role for SD Worx-Protime as Lotte Kopecky wins Milan-San Remo Women News By Lukas Kn\u00f6fler published 21 March 2026 2025 winner relinquishes leadership as teammate keeps the title in [&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-1839418","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\/1839418","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=1839418"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1839418\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1839418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1839418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1839418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}