{"id":1840191,"date":"2026-03-21T21:22:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T18:22:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1840191"},"modified":"2026-03-21T21:22:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T18:22:41","slug":"tadej-pogacar-transformed-what-seemed-like-the-impossible-into-something-unforgettable-milan-san-remo-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1840191","title":{"rendered":"Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T21:22:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian never really admitted it but winning Milan-San Remo had become an obsession<\/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\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates winning Milan-San Remo for the first time<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"1c45f7ee-211d-4172-84a3-6bfa75799436\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is probably not one for motivational lines and phrases but the words of Miguel Torres perfectly describe the Slovenian&#8217;s career: &#8220;Greatness is a journey that begins with the impossible and turns into the unforgettable&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>That journey for Poga\u010dar was achieved by finally winning Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p id=\"1c45f7ee-211d-4172-84a3-6bfa75799436-2\">Poga\u010dar has dazzled us for the last six years as he made winning bike races look so easy. We got used to, and almost bored, by his dominance as he has won race after race and his rivals suffered in defeat. Yet we were judging Poga\u010dar&#8217;s talents and greatness by the wrong measure, comparing his limits to those who tread before him and raced against him.<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-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 come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/span><\/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\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was under pressure to win Milan-San Remo after failing in recent years. Mathieu van der Poel and the race itself had become his bete noir, a monkey on the back of his rainbow jersey, weighing on his every move at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar won Milan-San Remo by defeating his own demons and whatever the gods of cycling could throw at him as he raced along the Ligurian coast.<\/p>\n<p>I witnessed Mark Cavendish win Milan-San Remo as a rookie in 2009. I saw Mario Cipollini win the Via Roma sprint in 2002 after more than a decade of defeat. And I have seen the race provide the most dramatic half an hour of racing each season. Yet nothing compares to what Poga\u010dar did this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He did not win by dropping Van der Poel on the Poggio and then beating Tom Pidcock in the sprint. He won by overcoming adversity, by fighting the pain of his crash and racing on, even when the thought of quitting entered his mind.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He showed his greatness by winning even when winning seemed impossible. As well as having power and speed, he dug out his inner perseverance and resilience. First with support from his teammates, and then fired by adrenaline and determination, he fought all the way to the Via Roma finish line, ultimately taking victory with a bike throw just that little bit faster and so ahead of Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p>The difference between victory and defeat for Poga\u010dar had never been so fine but the symbolism of the photo-finish was huge.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar never really admitted but winning Milan-San Remo had become an obsession, a challenge bigger than the race itself, as he tried to respond to those who said he would never win it.<\/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\/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-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He trained on the road of Milan-San Remo week after week during the winter, hiring local resident and local expert Niccolo&#8217; Bonifazio to motor pace him on the Cipressa and Poggio and teach him the secrets of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Now he has won it, admitting it is one of the greatest victories of his career.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar&#8217;s happiness and relief was so strong that he admitted he may never ride Milan-San Remo again, or at least for a year or two, preferring riding to San Remo to eat Italian focaccia rather than training on the Cipressa and Poggio.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With his name in the Milan-San Remo roll of honour, he can rightly enjoy a huge slice of focaccia. He overcame every possible adversity on Saturday and still triumphed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He turned what seemed a near impossible race into an unforgettable victory.<\/p>\n<p id=\"6c0b99ca-05f5-482d-b1c1-d5dbc72889d9\"><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><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e 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\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.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\">Stephen Farrand<\/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\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-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\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful 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\/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\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/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>\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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t hold my handlebars properly anymore&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel sheds light on the crash and injury which left him out of the running at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert caught in crash in finale of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Longo Borghini, no Vos, a headwind \u2013 Is Milan-San Remo Women playing into the sprinters&#8217; hands again? Team directors analyse the race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V.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\">Sophia Sammons claims final stage of Q Tour and ProVelo Super League women&#8217;s overall, Oliver Sims clinches men&#8217;s closing stage but Oliver Bleddyn remains secure in series top spot<\/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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\">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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T21:22:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian never really admitted it but winning Milan-San Remo had become an obsession<\/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\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates winning Milan-San Remo for the first time<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"1c45f7ee-211d-4172-84a3-6bfa75799436\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is probably not one for motivational lines and phrases but the words of Miguel Torres perfectly describe the Slovenian&#8217;s career: &#8220;Greatness is a journey that begins with the impossible and turns into the unforgettable&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>That journey for Poga\u010dar was achieved by finally winning Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p id=\"1c45f7ee-211d-4172-84a3-6bfa75799436-2\">Poga\u010dar has dazzled us for the last six years as he made winning bike races look so easy. We got used to, and almost bored, by his dominance as he has won race after race and his rivals suffered in defeat. Yet we were judging Poga\u010dar&#8217;s talents and greatness by the wrong measure, comparing his limits to those who tread before him and raced against him.<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-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 come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/span><\/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\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was under pressure to win Milan-San Remo after failing in recent years. Mathieu van der Poel and the race itself had become his bete noir, a monkey on the back of his rainbow jersey, weighing on his every move at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar won Milan-San Remo by defeating his own demons and whatever the gods of cycling could throw at him as he raced along the Ligurian coast.<\/p>\n<p>I witnessed Mark Cavendish win Milan-San Remo as a rookie in 2009. I saw Mario Cipollini win the Via Roma sprint in 2002 after more than a decade of defeat. And I have seen the race provide the most dramatic half an hour of racing each season. Yet nothing compares to what Poga\u010dar did this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He did not win by dropping Van der Poel on the Poggio and then beating Tom Pidcock in the sprint. He won by overcoming adversity, by fighting the pain of his crash and racing on, even when the thought of quitting entered his mind.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He showed his greatness by winning even when winning seemed impossible. As well as having power and speed, he dug out his inner perseverance and resilience. First with support from his teammates, and then fired by adrenaline and determination, he fought all the way to the Via Roma finish line, ultimately taking victory with a bike throw just that little bit faster and so ahead of Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p>The difference between victory and defeat for Poga\u010dar had never been so fine but the symbolism of the photo-finish was huge.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar never really admitted but winning Milan-San Remo had become an obsession, a challenge bigger than the race itself, as he tried to respond to those who said he would never win it.<\/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\/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-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He trained on the road of Milan-San Remo week after week during the winter, hiring local resident and local expert Niccolo&#8217; Bonifazio to motor pace him on the Cipressa and Poggio and teach him the secrets of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Now he has won it, admitting it is one of the greatest victories of his career.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar&#8217;s happiness and relief was so strong that he admitted he may never ride Milan-San Remo again, or at least for a year or two, preferring riding to San Remo to eat Italian focaccia rather than training on the Cipressa and Poggio.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With his name in the Milan-San Remo roll of honour, he can rightly enjoy a huge slice of focaccia. He overcame every possible adversity on Saturday and still triumphed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He turned what seemed a near impossible race into an unforgettable victory.<\/p>\n<p id=\"6c0b99ca-05f5-482d-b1c1-d5dbc72889d9\"><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><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e 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\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.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\">Stephen Farrand<\/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\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-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\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful 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\/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\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/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>\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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;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<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VQ4An82zdeQCkZ8K4F6Gue-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t hold my handlebars properly anymore&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel sheds light on the crash and injury which left him out of the running at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QedAexqpRWEdTRa6XPy8iM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert caught in crash in finale of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pKetS3pAWqDSRbkArsgyaM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No Longo Borghini, no Vos, a headwind \u2013 Is Milan-San Remo Women playing into the sprinters&#8217; hands again? Team directors analyse the race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5BGUKXTteaLqNta4RB7vGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will be king of the spring? \u2013 How Milan-San Remo could write the next chapter of Tadej Poga\u010dar and Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s thrilling rivalry<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mjn5kXszgCzChPUPEwWpF6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From top riders&#8217; real form to the teams not quite thriving \u2013 Five key questions ahead of Milan-San Remo and the next Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yfoW4cPwBZxgJxpjWKsP6V.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\">Sophia Sammons claims final stage of Q Tour and ProVelo Super League women&#8217;s overall, Oliver Sims clinches men&#8217;s closing stage but Oliver Bleddyn remains secure in series top spot<\/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\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/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\">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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-21T21:22:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n21 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Slovenian never really admitted it but winning Milan-San Remo had become an obsession<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"1c45f7ee-211d-4172-84a3-6bfa75799436\">Tadej Poga\u010dar is probably not one for motivational lines and phrases but the words of Miguel Torres perfectly describe the Slovenian&#8217;s career: &#8220;Greatness is a journey that begins with the impossible and turns into the unforgettable&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>That journey for Poga\u010dar was achieved by finally winning Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p id=\"1c45f7ee-211d-4172-84a3-6bfa75799436-2\">Poga\u010dar has dazzled us for the last six years as he made winning bike races look so easy. We got used to, and almost bored, by his dominance as he has won race after race and his rivals suffered in defeat. Yet we were judging Poga\u010dar&#8217;s talents and greatness by the wrong measure, comparing his limits to those who tread before him and raced against him.<\/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\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-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 come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/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\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MrSxyYj6PAqxjhccP5wcrh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I can&#8217;t help but be disappointed&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock knows he was close to beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo but missed an opportunity<\/span><\/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\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was under pressure to win Milan-San Remo after failing in recent years. Mathieu van der Poel and the race itself had become his bete noir, a monkey on the back of his rainbow jersey, weighing on his every move at Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar won Milan-San Remo by defeating his own demons and whatever the gods of cycling could throw at him as he raced along the Ligurian coast.<\/p>\n<p>I witnessed Mark Cavendish win Milan-San Remo as a rookie in 2009. I saw Mario Cipollini win the Via Roma sprint in 2002 after more than a decade of defeat. And I have seen the race provide the most dramatic half an hour of racing each season. Yet nothing compares to what Poga\u010dar did this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He did not win by dropping Van der Poel on the Poggio and then beating Tom Pidcock in the sprint. He won by overcoming adversity, by fighting the pain of his crash and racing on, even when the thought of quitting entered his mind.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-bMGvGf6qwbSFFZ6h9wiY3e slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He showed his greatness by winning even when winning seemed impossible. As well as having power and speed, he dug out his inner perseverance and resilience. First with support from his teammates, and then fired by adrenaline and determination, he fought all the way to the Via Roma finish line, ultimately taking victory with a bike throw just that little bit faster and so ahead of Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p>The difference between victory and defeat for Poga\u010dar had never been so fine but the symbolism of the photo-finish was huge.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar never really admitted but winning Milan-San Remo had become an obsession, a challenge bigger than the race itself, as he tried to respond to those who said he would never win it.<\/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\/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-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZgW4DDUyLA7XprVoA38gdH-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\">Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio \u2013 Where have Tadej Poga\u010dar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He trained on the road of Milan-San Remo week after week during the winter, hiring local resident and local expert Niccolo&#8217; Bonifazio to motor pace him on the Cipressa and Poggio and teach him the secrets of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Now he has won it, admitting it is one of the greatest victories of his career.<\/p>\n<p>Poga\u010dar&#8217;s happiness and relief was so strong that he admitted he may never ride Milan-San Remo again, or at least for a year or two, preferring riding to San Remo to eat Italian focaccia rather than training on the Cipressa and Poggio.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With his name in the Milan-San Remo roll of honour, he can rightly enjoy a huge slice of focaccia. He overcame every possible adversity on Saturday and still triumphed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He turned what seemed a near impossible race into an unforgettable victory.<\/p>\n<p id=\"6c0b99ca-05f5-482d-b1c1-d5dbc72889d9\"><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><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/tadej-pogacar-transformed-what-seemed-like-the-impossible-into-something-unforgettable-analysis-of-milan-san-remo\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tadej Pogacar Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis Features By Stephen Farrand published 21 March 2026 Slovenian never really admitted it but winning Milan-San Remo had become an obsession When you purchase through links on [&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-1840191","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\/1840191","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=1840191"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1840191\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1840191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1840191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1840191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}