{"id":1839586,"date":"2026-03-21T15:55:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T12:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1839586"},"modified":"2026-03-21T15:55:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T12:55:00","slug":"milan-san-remo-tadej-pogacar-strikes-in-closing-metres-to-hold-off-tom-pidcock-in-electrifying-two-rider-finish-and-earns-masterful-victory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1839586","title":{"rendered":"Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nRace Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T15:55:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert carries momentum from crash to go third as Mathieu van der Poel takes eighth after dropping on the Poggio<\/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\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Milan-San Remo 2026: Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) reacts to winning in head-to-head sprint against Tom Pidcock<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"86354d1b-0499-46d9-ac1e-6cf6ee7bbb80\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) ticked off another Monument on his palmar\u00e8s, winning Milan-San Remo at the sixth time of asking after beating Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) in a two-man sprint on the Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>The World Champion, who had crashed just 32km earlier, and the Briton proved the strongest riders in the 298km Monument, dropping two-time winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) early on the Poggio after the trio had escaped on the penultimate climb of the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p id=\"86354d1b-0499-46d9-ac1e-6cf6ee7bbb80-2\">Pidcock stuck with Poga\u010dar on the remainder up the Poggio and on the descent, but it was the Slovenian who possessed the quicker sprint finish, just about getting to the line first.<\/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\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-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: World Champion takes Milan-San Remo 2026 by half a wheel over multi-discipline superstar <\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Four seconds further back, another victim of the crash, which saw Poga\u010dar hit the deck, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) jumped out of the peloton in the final kilometre to round out the podium.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Not the most beautiful because I will be licking the wounds. But I&#8217;m just really happy to take the win,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said after the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You never know after such a long race, but I knew one thing \u2013 that Tom is a super-fast guy. He looked super good through all the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t have much experience with one-to-one sprints, especially against him. I knew it would be tough, and it was very close, so congrats to Tom.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The action in the final began in Imperia, just before the penultimate climb of the day, the Cipressa, when Poga\u010dar, Van Aert, and several others were caught in a crash. While Van Aert took some time to get back to the peloton, Poga\u010dar, who suffered cuts and scrapes, managed to avoid disaster and was back in the peloton on the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p>First, Brandon McNulty and then Isaac del Toro took turns on the front before Poga\u010dar \u2013 crash notwithstanding \u2013 made his move. Only Pidcock and Van der Poel could live with the world champion&#8217;s pace up the climb, with the trio setting a new ascent record over the top to lead by 30 seconds as Lidl-Trek led the chase behind.<\/p>\n<p>The trio led the race onto the Poggio, but they&#8217;d soon become two as Poga\u010dar&#8217;s acceleration dropped Van der Poel. He couldn&#8217;t drop Pidcock, however, and the pair flew down the descent together.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert caught in crash in finale of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>With a cushion over the chasing peloton behind, the leading duo were left to battle over the win themselves, and Pidcock tucked in behind Poga\u010dar for the sprint. He had prime position but not the closing speed, launching the sprint long. Poga\u010dar was quick to respond, though, and held off Pidcock to claim victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-it-unfolded\"><span>How it unfolded<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"98ece9be-14e9-48db-a373-5177652a43e2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The break of the day at Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"34e1889a-4966-474c-9e11-8104cf2e84c7\">The peloton would tackle the longest edition of Milan-San Remo since 2021 this year, with the race featuring 298km between Pavia and San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the added length \u2013 9km up on 2025 \u2013 the route remained largely the same as usual, with the long, largely flat, run to the Passo del Turchino (5.6km at 2.9%) taking up the first half of the race.<\/p>\n<p>A dive down to the Ligurian Coast followed, with a flat run west taking the peloton to the Tre Capi \u2013 the Capo Mele (1.8km at 3.6%), Capo Cervo (2.15km at 2.5%), and the Capo Berta (2km at 6%).<\/p>\n<p>With those out of the way, the Cipressa (5.6km at 4.1%) at 22km to go and the Poggio (3.7km at 3.7%) posed the final tests of the race ahead of the winding descent down into San Remo and the traditional finish line on the Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>Attacks flew from the start of the race, with Alexy Faure Prost (Picnic-PostNL) and the Polti-VisitMalta duo of Dario Belletta and Mirco Maestri launching the accelerations which would kick start the breakaway.<\/p>\n<p>The trio were joined out front by Movistar pair Lorenzo Milesi and Manlio Moro, another two from Bardiani CSF-7 Saber in Martin Marcellusi and Manuele Tarozzi, and two more riders from Novo Nordisk in Andrea Peron and David Lozano.<\/p>\n<p>The nine riders of the break were left to race up the road without any fuss from the peloton, their advantage growing over three minutes after the hour mark.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b19d579e-b2e3-4271-bc8b-473e6eb80693\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The peloton hugs the coast on the road to San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"0cdd549f-6684-4116-bb4c-a38e5b7974d1\">As ever, there was little drama on the road to the Turchino, though Tadej Poga\u010dar did suffer a blow. The Slovenian lost a teammate as Jan Christen crashed out along with Orluis Aular (Movistar) with 242km to go.<\/p>\n<p>The race was run at an average of 45kph on the long drag to the Turchino, with the break being held at a gap of 2:40 on the way. Over the top of the climb, with 150km still to run, the breakaway held a four-minute advantage as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe led the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>Alpecin-Premier Tech and Pinarello-Q36.5 also joined in the work at the front, though the break was still comfortable up the road, holding a six-minute gap as they crossed the 100km to go marker.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the final 60km and on the approach to the Tre Capi, it was UAE Team Emirates-XRG who took over the pacemaking, bringing the gap down to three minutes to the breakaway, which now numbered seven riders after Peron and Lozano had dropped back.<\/p>\n<p>The break split up further over the three small climbs, with Moro, Marcellusi, and Tarozzi falling away first, before Faure Prost also lost contact over the Berta. That left Milesi and the Polti pair, Belletta and Maestri, out front with a one-minute lead with 38km left to run.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"749df75e-fd74-453a-ade9-934c16420dc0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro provides the last pull before Poga\u010dar&#8217;s attack on the Cipressa <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"829f4a11-2324-47a2-b913-06c7539c2871\">Before the race could reach the Cipressa, however, disaster struck for several contenders in the peloton. Tadej Poga\u010dar was among a host of riders to fall in the city of Imperia with 32km to go.<\/p>\n<p>He was joined on the deck by Visma-Lease a Bike riders Wout van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson, as well as Biniam Girmay (NSN) and Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), while Mathieu van der Poel was also caught up. However, he made it back to the peloton in time for the penultimate hill of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Before long, the world champion was up in second wheel behind teammate Brandon McNulty as the pair led the way up the Cipressa, with the break having been caught just before the start of the climb.<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro was next to push the pace, the Mexican launching Poga\u010dar, who made his move at 2.6km from the top with 24.2km to go left to run.<\/p>\n<p>Pidcock and Van der Poel were stuck to his wheel, however, and the pair managed to hang on in the face of another Poga\u010dar acceleration shortly afterwards. The trio enjoyed a 30-second advantage at the top of the hill, while Lidl-Trek led the chase.<\/p>\n<p>With 14.5km to run, Van Aert made it back to the peloton, and so his Visma-Lease a Bike team were quickly visible at the front, too.<\/p>\n<p>At the base of the Poggio, with 9.2km to run, the gap to the peloton had fallen to a reported 10 seconds after several other teams, including Lotto-Intemarch\u00e9 and Jayco-AlUla, had joined the pacemaking behind. Poga\u010dar, though, was quick to make another move at the front. He put Van der Poel in trouble 700 metres into the climb, but Pidcock managed to hang with the acceleration.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7f9505b5-7609-49c0-af48-103949ebce8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, in the leading trio late on, sports torn shorts and road rash after his pre-Cipressa crash <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6b2d3712-f651-4a0c-b7c7-3c883c672233\">Midway up, Van der Poel had lost 10 seconds as Poga\u010dar continued to push without managing to shake Pidcock. He attacked time and again, but once again at Milan-San Remo was faced with a rider he was unable to drop. Despite a record-breaking ascent of the Poggio at 10 seconds quicker than the 2025 race, Pidcock held the wheel.<\/p>\n<p>The British demon descender, predictably, took the front on the way down, while Van der Poel was brought back by the peloton, 23 seconds down.<\/p>\n<p>The gap was too large for the peloton to surmount, and up front, the leading pair avoided disaster on the descent to compete for the victory among themselves. On the run-in to San Remo, first it was Pidcock leading and then, in the final kilometre, Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Further back, a resurgent Van Aert launched himself clear of the chasing pack, his effort proving enough to hold off his podium rivals and clinch third place ahead of the closing sprint of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<p>The pair, and the rest of the peloton, crossed the line four seconds down on the leaders, though, with Poga\u010dar holding off Pidcock by half a wheel to secure the victory.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"a52c0e35-98f8-4b1c-8a50-58fb2fda5f51\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Pidcock embrace after the finish line <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"448588c3-30a5-4c02-b01d-0925374d0b84\"><em><strong>Results powered by <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>FirstCycling<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n<p id=\"f05db978-2a01-4f2c-913e-8ea9bac51165\"><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-33VpXUekADaRQ9is4BDKkG\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-33VpXUekADaRQ9is4BDKkG slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: World Champion takes Milan-San Remo 2026 by half a wheel over multi-discipline superstar <\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-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;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<\/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 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\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar loses key Milan-San Remo domestique to early 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\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think Tadej needs to attack on the Cipressa&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel plays tactical mind games with Milan-San Remo rival Poga\u010dar<\/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\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Turchino is a nice climb, no?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar teases about a 150-kilometre Milan-San Remo attack, but is he really joking?<\/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 Race Results<\/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\/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\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bredene Koksijde Classic: Dylan Groenewegen speeds to victory as break caught in finale of hectic race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Grand Prix de Denain: Alec Segaert toys with Hagenes and fends off peloton for extraordinary solo win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K.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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable &#8211; Analysis of 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;Spur-of-the-moment decision&#8217; lands Wout van Aert fourth career podium at Milan-San Remo as he surprises with effort from 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;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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nRace Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T15:55:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert carries momentum from crash to go third as Mathieu van der Poel takes eighth after dropping on the Poggio<\/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\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"86354d1b-0499-46d9-ac1e-6cf6ee7bbb80\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) ticked off another Monument on his palmar\u00e8s, winning Milan-San Remo at the sixth time of asking after beating Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) in a two-man sprint on the Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>The World Champion, who had crashed just 32km earlier, and the Briton proved the strongest riders in the 298km Monument, dropping two-time winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) early on the Poggio after the trio had escaped on the penultimate climb of the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p id=\"86354d1b-0499-46d9-ac1e-6cf6ee7bbb80-2\">Pidcock stuck with Poga\u010dar on the remainder up the Poggio and on the descent, but it was the Slovenian who possessed the quicker sprint finish, just about getting to the line first.<\/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\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-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: World Champion takes Milan-San Remo 2026 by half a wheel over multi-discipline superstar <\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Four seconds further back, another victim of the crash, which saw Poga\u010dar hit the deck, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) jumped out of the peloton in the final kilometre to round out the podium.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Not the most beautiful because I will be licking the wounds. But I&#8217;m just really happy to take the win,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said after the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You never know after such a long race, but I knew one thing \u2013 that Tom is a super-fast guy. He looked super good through all the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t have much experience with one-to-one sprints, especially against him. I knew it would be tough, and it was very close, so congrats to Tom.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The action in the final began in Imperia, just before the penultimate climb of the day, the Cipressa, when Poga\u010dar, Van Aert, and several others were caught in a crash. While Van Aert took some time to get back to the peloton, Poga\u010dar, who suffered cuts and scrapes, managed to avoid disaster and was back in the peloton on the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p>First, Brandon McNulty and then Isaac del Toro took turns on the front before Poga\u010dar \u2013 crash notwithstanding \u2013 made his move. Only Pidcock and Van der Poel could live with the world champion&#8217;s pace up the climb, with the trio setting a new ascent record over the top to lead by 30 seconds as Lidl-Trek led the chase behind.<\/p>\n<p>The trio led the race onto the Poggio, but they&#8217;d soon become two as Poga\u010dar&#8217;s acceleration dropped Van der Poel. He couldn&#8217;t drop Pidcock, however, and the pair flew down the descent together.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert caught in crash in finale of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>With a cushion over the chasing peloton behind, the leading duo were left to battle over the win themselves, and Pidcock tucked in behind Poga\u010dar for the sprint. He had prime position but not the closing speed, launching the sprint long. Poga\u010dar was quick to respond, though, and held off Pidcock to claim victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-it-unfolded\"><span>How it unfolded<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"98ece9be-14e9-48db-a373-5177652a43e2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The break of the day at Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"34e1889a-4966-474c-9e11-8104cf2e84c7\">The peloton would tackle the longest edition of Milan-San Remo since 2021 this year, with the race featuring 298km between Pavia and San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the added length \u2013 9km up on 2025 \u2013 the route remained largely the same as usual, with the long, largely flat, run to the Passo del Turchino (5.6km at 2.9%) taking up the first half of the race.<\/p>\n<p>A dive down to the Ligurian Coast followed, with a flat run west taking the peloton to the Tre Capi \u2013 the Capo Mele (1.8km at 3.6%), Capo Cervo (2.15km at 2.5%), and the Capo Berta (2km at 6%).<\/p>\n<p>With those out of the way, the Cipressa (5.6km at 4.1%) at 22km to go and the Poggio (3.7km at 3.7%) posed the final tests of the race ahead of the winding descent down into San Remo and the traditional finish line on the Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>Attacks flew from the start of the race, with Alexy Faure Prost (Picnic-PostNL) and the Polti-VisitMalta duo of Dario Belletta and Mirco Maestri launching the accelerations which would kick start the breakaway.<\/p>\n<p>The trio were joined out front by Movistar pair Lorenzo Milesi and Manlio Moro, another two from Bardiani CSF-7 Saber in Martin Marcellusi and Manuele Tarozzi, and two more riders from Novo Nordisk in Andrea Peron and David Lozano.<\/p>\n<p>The nine riders of the break were left to race up the road without any fuss from the peloton, their advantage growing over three minutes after the hour mark.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b19d579e-b2e3-4271-bc8b-473e6eb80693\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The peloton hugs the coast on the road to San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"0cdd549f-6684-4116-bb4c-a38e5b7974d1\">As ever, there was little drama on the road to the Turchino, though Tadej Poga\u010dar did suffer a blow. The Slovenian lost a teammate as Jan Christen crashed out along with Orluis Aular (Movistar) with 242km to go.<\/p>\n<p>The race was run at an average of 45kph on the long drag to the Turchino, with the break being held at a gap of 2:40 on the way. Over the top of the climb, with 150km still to run, the breakaway held a four-minute advantage as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe led the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>Alpecin-Premier Tech and Pinarello-Q36.5 also joined in the work at the front, though the break was still comfortable up the road, holding a six-minute gap as they crossed the 100km to go marker.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the final 60km and on the approach to the Tre Capi, it was UAE Team Emirates-XRG who took over the pacemaking, bringing the gap down to three minutes to the breakaway, which now numbered seven riders after Peron and Lozano had dropped back.<\/p>\n<p>The break split up further over the three small climbs, with Moro, Marcellusi, and Tarozzi falling away first, before Faure Prost also lost contact over the Berta. That left Milesi and the Polti pair, Belletta and Maestri, out front with a one-minute lead with 38km left to run.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"749df75e-fd74-453a-ade9-934c16420dc0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro provides the last pull before Poga\u010dar&#8217;s attack on the Cipressa <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"829f4a11-2324-47a2-b913-06c7539c2871\">Before the race could reach the Cipressa, however, disaster struck for several contenders in the peloton. Tadej Poga\u010dar was among a host of riders to fall in the city of Imperia with 32km to go.<\/p>\n<p>He was joined on the deck by Visma-Lease a Bike riders Wout van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson, as well as Biniam Girmay (NSN) and Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), while Mathieu van der Poel was also caught up. However, he made it back to the peloton in time for the penultimate hill of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Before long, the world champion was up in second wheel behind teammate Brandon McNulty as the pair led the way up the Cipressa, with the break having been caught just before the start of the climb.<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro was next to push the pace, the Mexican launching Poga\u010dar, who made his move at 2.6km from the top with 24.2km to go left to run.<\/p>\n<p>Pidcock and Van der Poel were stuck to his wheel, however, and the pair managed to hang on in the face of another Poga\u010dar acceleration shortly afterwards. The trio enjoyed a 30-second advantage at the top of the hill, while Lidl-Trek led the chase.<\/p>\n<p>With 14.5km to run, Van Aert made it back to the peloton, and so his Visma-Lease a Bike team were quickly visible at the front, too.<\/p>\n<p>At the base of the Poggio, with 9.2km to run, the gap to the peloton had fallen to a reported 10 seconds after several other teams, including Lotto-Intemarch\u00e9 and Jayco-AlUla, had joined the pacemaking behind. Poga\u010dar, though, was quick to make another move at the front. He put Van der Poel in trouble 700 metres into the climb, but Pidcock managed to hang with the acceleration.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7f9505b5-7609-49c0-af48-103949ebce8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, in the leading trio late on, sports torn shorts and road rash after his pre-Cipressa crash <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6b2d3712-f651-4a0c-b7c7-3c883c672233\">Midway up, Van der Poel had lost 10 seconds as Poga\u010dar continued to push without managing to shake Pidcock. He attacked time and again, but once again at Milan-San Remo was faced with a rider he was unable to drop. Despite a record-breaking ascent of the Poggio at 10 seconds quicker than the 2025 race, Pidcock held the wheel.<\/p>\n<p>The British demon descender, predictably, took the front on the way down, while Van der Poel was brought back by the peloton, 23 seconds down.<\/p>\n<p>The gap was too large for the peloton to surmount, and up front, the leading pair avoided disaster on the descent to compete for the victory among themselves. On the run-in to San Remo, first it was Pidcock leading and then, in the final kilometre, Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Further back, a resurgent Van Aert launched himself clear of the chasing pack, his effort proving enough to hold off his podium rivals and clinch third place ahead of the closing sprint of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<p>The pair, and the rest of the peloton, crossed the line four seconds down on the leaders, though, with Poga\u010dar holding off Pidcock by half a wheel to secure the victory.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"a52c0e35-98f8-4b1c-8a50-58fb2fda5f51\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Pidcock embrace after the finish line <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"448588c3-30a5-4c02-b01d-0925374d0b84\"><em><strong>Results powered by <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>FirstCycling<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n<p id=\"f05db978-2a01-4f2c-913e-8ea9bac51165\"><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-33VpXUekADaRQ9is4BDKkG\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-33VpXUekADaRQ9is4BDKkG slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: World Champion takes Milan-San Remo 2026 by half a wheel over multi-discipline superstar <\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MY9nBKorFiDikHC6qjfVBF-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;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<\/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 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\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zCwubfMaMxny8WH9sU7ZPE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar loses key Milan-San Remo domestique to early 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\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dR4PmfuSWb8krXNYyiC7Fn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t think Tadej needs to attack on the Cipressa&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel plays tactical mind games with Milan-San Remo rival Poga\u010dar<\/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\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LC5Z6sSykrA2LoPhU4pRdn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Turchino is a nice climb, no?&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar teases about a 150-kilometre Milan-San Remo attack, but is he really joking?<\/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 Race Results<\/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\/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\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KxqjKyvCQ3NM83oaQCxewh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bredene Koksijde Classic: Dylan Groenewegen speeds to victory as break caught in finale of hectic race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ci7LgjCEw7XCz7FG4d2qED-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Grand Prix de Denain: Alec Segaert toys with Hagenes and fends off peloton for extraordinary solo win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2MTWPRECBtYPzF5hkUqahK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Men: Jasper Philipsen closes breakaway attempt in final metres for first victory of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jMrqZJxpWMSQrFoBDbNS2d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nokere Koerse Women: Lotte Kopecky powers to third career victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4XyBs8EeurM7TrbnKe5XE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milano-Torino: Tom Pidcock climbs away from elite group to seal victory atop Superga<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K.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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable &#8211; Analysis of 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;Spur-of-the-moment decision&#8217; lands Wout van Aert fourth career podium at Milan-San Remo as he surprises with effort from 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;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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nRace Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T15:55:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert carries momentum from crash to go third as Mathieu van der Poel takes eighth after dropping on the Poggio<\/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 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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=\"86354d1b-0499-46d9-ac1e-6cf6ee7bbb80\">Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) ticked off another Monument on his palmar\u00e8s, winning Milan-San Remo at the sixth time of asking after beating Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) in a two-man sprint on the Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>The World Champion, who had crashed just 32km earlier, and the Briton proved the strongest riders in the 298km Monument, dropping two-time winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) early on the Poggio after the trio had escaped on the penultimate climb of the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p id=\"86354d1b-0499-46d9-ac1e-6cf6ee7bbb80-2\">Pidcock stuck with Poga\u010dar on the remainder up the Poggio and on the descent, but it was the Slovenian who possessed the quicker sprint finish, just about getting to the line first.<\/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\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LwaZrNX3qNRMcDXrg6qEZn-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: World Champion takes Milan-San Remo 2026 by half a wheel over multi-discipline superstar <\/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\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uVay2h9sfPE9H9LsHgUEQP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The return of the greats, cycling&#8217;s newest mega talent and &#8216;grande ciclismo&#8217; \u2013 What I&#8217;m excited to see at this year&#8217;s Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Four seconds further back, another victim of the crash, which saw Poga\u010dar hit the deck, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) jumped out of the peloton in the final kilometre to round out the podium.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Not the most beautiful because I will be licking the wounds. But I&#8217;m just really happy to take the win,&#8221; Poga\u010dar said after the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You never know after such a long race, but I knew one thing \u2013 that Tom is a super-fast guy. He looked super good through all the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I don&#8217;t have much experience with one-to-one sprints, especially against him. I knew it would be tough, and it was very close, so congrats to Tom.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The action in the final began in Imperia, just before the penultimate climb of the day, the Cipressa, when Poga\u010dar, Van Aert, and several others were caught in a crash. While Van Aert took some time to get back to the peloton, Poga\u010dar, who suffered cuts and scrapes, managed to avoid disaster and was back in the peloton on the Cipressa.<\/p>\n<p>First, Brandon McNulty and then Isaac del Toro took turns on the front before Poga\u010dar \u2013 crash notwithstanding \u2013 made his move. Only Pidcock and Van der Poel could live with the world champion&#8217;s pace up the climb, with the trio setting a new ascent record over the top to lead by 30 seconds as Lidl-Trek led the chase behind.<\/p>\n<p>The trio led the race onto the Poggio, but they&#8217;d soon become two as Poga\u010dar&#8217;s acceleration dropped Van der Poel. He couldn&#8217;t drop Pidcock, however, and the pair flew down the descent together.<\/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\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert caught in crash in finale of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>With a cushion over the chasing peloton behind, the leading duo were left to battle over the win themselves, and Pidcock tucked in behind Poga\u010dar for the sprint. He had prime position but not the closing speed, launching the sprint long. Poga\u010dar was quick to respond, though, and held off Pidcock to claim victory.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-it-unfolded\"><span>How it unfolded<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"98ece9be-14e9-48db-a373-5177652a43e2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkKFTtFDGUF6NYjb8wwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The break of the day at Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"34e1889a-4966-474c-9e11-8104cf2e84c7\">The peloton would tackle the longest edition of Milan-San Remo since 2021 this year, with the race featuring 298km between Pavia and San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the added length \u2013 9km up on 2025 \u2013 the route remained largely the same as usual, with the long, largely flat, run to the Passo del Turchino (5.6km at 2.9%) taking up the first half of the race.<\/p>\n<p>A dive down to the Ligurian Coast followed, with a flat run west taking the peloton to the Tre Capi \u2013 the Capo Mele (1.8km at 3.6%), Capo Cervo (2.15km at 2.5%), and the Capo Berta (2km at 6%).<\/p>\n<p>With those out of the way, the Cipressa (5.6km at 4.1%) at 22km to go and the Poggio (3.7km at 3.7%) posed the final tests of the race ahead of the winding descent down into San Remo and the traditional finish line on the Via Roma.<\/p>\n<p>Attacks flew from the start of the race, with Alexy Faure Prost (Picnic-PostNL) and the Polti-VisitMalta duo of Dario Belletta and Mirco Maestri launching the accelerations which would kick start the breakaway.<\/p>\n<p>The trio were joined out front by Movistar pair Lorenzo Milesi and Manlio Moro, another two from Bardiani CSF-7 Saber in Martin Marcellusi and Manuele Tarozzi, and two more riders from Novo Nordisk in Andrea Peron and David Lozano.<\/p>\n<p>The nine riders of the break were left to race up the road without any fuss from the peloton, their advantage growing over three minutes after the hour mark.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b19d579e-b2e3-4271-bc8b-473e6eb80693\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bujc742mhcHbyiL57HCahA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The peloton hugs the coast on the road to San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"0cdd549f-6684-4116-bb4c-a38e5b7974d1\">As ever, there was little drama on the road to the Turchino, though Tadej Poga\u010dar did suffer a blow. The Slovenian lost a teammate as Jan Christen crashed out along with Orluis Aular (Movistar) with 242km to go.<\/p>\n<p>The race was run at an average of 45kph on the long drag to the Turchino, with the break being held at a gap of 2:40 on the way. Over the top of the climb, with 150km still to run, the breakaway held a four-minute advantage as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe led the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>Alpecin-Premier Tech and Pinarello-Q36.5 also joined in the work at the front, though the break was still comfortable up the road, holding a six-minute gap as they crossed the 100km to go marker.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the final 60km and on the approach to the Tre Capi, it was UAE Team Emirates-XRG who took over the pacemaking, bringing the gap down to three minutes to the breakaway, which now numbered seven riders after Peron and Lozano had dropped back.<\/p>\n<p>The break split up further over the three small climbs, with Moro, Marcellusi, and Tarozzi falling away first, before Faure Prost also lost contact over the Berta. That left Milesi and the Polti pair, Belletta and Maestri, out front with a one-minute lead with 38km left to run.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"749df75e-fd74-453a-ade9-934c16420dc0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ge5KyZVteXt7WXVKi9MUKH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro provides the last pull before Poga\u010dar&#8217;s attack on the Cipressa <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"829f4a11-2324-47a2-b913-06c7539c2871\">Before the race could reach the Cipressa, however, disaster struck for several contenders in the peloton. Tadej Poga\u010dar was among a host of riders to fall in the city of Imperia with 32km to go.<\/p>\n<p>He was joined on the deck by Visma-Lease a Bike riders Wout van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson, as well as Biniam Girmay (NSN) and Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), while Mathieu van der Poel was also caught up. However, he made it back to the peloton in time for the penultimate hill of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Before long, the world champion was up in second wheel behind teammate Brandon McNulty as the pair led the way up the Cipressa, with the break having been caught just before the start of the climb.<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro was next to push the pace, the Mexican launching Poga\u010dar, who made his move at 2.6km from the top with 24.2km to go left to run.<\/p>\n<p>Pidcock and Van der Poel were stuck to his wheel, however, and the pair managed to hang on in the face of another Poga\u010dar acceleration shortly afterwards. The trio enjoyed a 30-second advantage at the top of the hill, while Lidl-Trek led the chase.<\/p>\n<p>With 14.5km to run, Van Aert made it back to the peloton, and so his Visma-Lease a Bike team were quickly visible at the front, too.<\/p>\n<p>At the base of the Poggio, with 9.2km to run, the gap to the peloton had fallen to a reported 10 seconds after several other teams, including Lotto-Intemarch\u00e9 and Jayco-AlUla, had joined the pacemaking behind. Poga\u010dar, though, was quick to make another move at the front. He put Van der Poel in trouble 700 metres into the climb, but Pidcock managed to hang with the acceleration.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7f9505b5-7609-49c0-af48-103949ebce8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EaP4qpWXLEvJSvaRrCHXo7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, in the leading trio late on, sports torn shorts and road rash after his pre-Cipressa crash <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6b2d3712-f651-4a0c-b7c7-3c883c672233\">Midway up, Van der Poel had lost 10 seconds as Poga\u010dar continued to push without managing to shake Pidcock. He attacked time and again, but once again at Milan-San Remo was faced with a rider he was unable to drop. Despite a record-breaking ascent of the Poggio at 10 seconds quicker than the 2025 race, Pidcock held the wheel.<\/p>\n<p>The British demon descender, predictably, took the front on the way down, while Van der Poel was brought back by the peloton, 23 seconds down.<\/p>\n<p>The gap was too large for the peloton to surmount, and up front, the leading pair avoided disaster on the descent to compete for the victory among themselves. On the run-in to San Remo, first it was Pidcock leading and then, in the final kilometre, Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p>Further back, a resurgent Van Aert launched himself clear of the chasing pack, his effort proving enough to hold off his podium rivals and clinch third place ahead of the closing sprint of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).<\/p>\n<p>The pair, and the rest of the peloton, crossed the line four seconds down on the leaders, though, with Poga\u010dar holding off Pidcock by half a wheel to secure the victory.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"a52c0e35-98f8-4b1c-8a50-58fb2fda5f51\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2djAZaWKdepvYJd9PDneHc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar and Pidcock embrace after the finish line <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"448588c3-30a5-4c02-b01d-0925374d0b84\"><em><strong>Results powered by <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>FirstCycling<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n<p id=\"f05db978-2a01-4f2c-913e-8ea9bac51165\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/milan-san-remo-tadej-pogacar-strikes-in-closing-metres-to-hold-off-tom-pidcock-in-electrifying-two-rider-finish-and-earns-masterful-victory\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Milan-San Remo Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory Race Results By Dani Ostanek published 21 March 2026 Wout van Aert carries momentum from crash to go third as Mathieu van der Poel takes [&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-1839586","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\/1839586","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=1839586"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1839586\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1839586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1839586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1839586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}