{"id":1843504,"date":"2026-03-23T19:39:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1843504"},"modified":"2026-03-23T19:39:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:39:41","slug":"sean-kellys-classics-column-sometimes-pogacar-doesnt-need-tactics-to-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1843504","title":{"rendered":"Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1920-80.png&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-23T19:39:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tom Pidcock put in a monster ride, but he came up against an even bigger monster in Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1920-80.png.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1440-80.png.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images\/Shutterstock)<\/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=\"font-ui-heading 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\" 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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 Leadout 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=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"3575d52a-1d61-4c59-8af7-05002f8d2ff0\">What a finale to Milan-San Remo. It&#8217;s a race that&#8217;s always about the finale, as we know, but in this year&#8217;s races, both men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s, they were something special. In many ways, the unfortunate crash for Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel and others just before the Cipressa, and the way they immediately bounced back from that and attacked on the climb, only added to how special this year&#8217;s edition of the men&#8217;s race was.<\/p>\n<p>After the crash, you&#8217;d say to most normal riders, &#8216;Take a moment to recover for a little while here,&#8217; but Poga\u010dar was immediately flying up the outside of everybody and back to the front. To go from hitting the deck to what occurred next in such a short space of time, you have to give it to him; he just keeps on putting in these mind-boggling performances.<\/p>\n<p id=\"3575d52a-1d61-4c59-8af7-05002f8d2ff0-2\">Okay, Poga\u010dar was fortunate that neither he nor his bike were too badly damaged by the crash, unlike both Van der Poel and Wout van Aert, because it allowed him to get back to the front of the pack sooner. However, his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, Brandon McNulty and Isaac del Toro, with the odds already stacked against them due to Jan Christen&#8217;s earlier crash, did a great job returning him to the front and ramping up the speed.<\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>You could say after the crash that he had nothing to lose, but in reality, being able to actually put a plan like that \u2013 attacking on the Cipressa \u2013 into action is completely different. Considering he had absolutely no time to recover, you&#8217;d forgive UAE for falling back to an attack on the Poggio. But instead, they decide to make the race explode right there and then. It&#8217;s mind-blowing racing from Poga\u010dar. But that&#8217;s the kind of rider he is. Tactics? He doesn&#8217;t need any tactics.<\/p>\n<p>When the three of them, Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, and Tom Pidcock, got away, you could quickly see that the Dutchman was feeling the effects of his crash. Pidcock started to share the load, which makes sense when there&#8217;s a podium spot essentially in the bag. But as soon as the Briton did, Poga\u010dar attacked over the top, so he didn&#8217;t ride after that, and I can understand that approach because if you&#8217;re starting to feel it in the legs, and Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trying to hit you with those efforts, you say, &#8216;I&#8217;m not riding anymore.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"f7d6c53b-e4df-4df5-b89c-4db7d4350d60\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar using every inch of the road available to him as the pair look to extend their advantage on the peloton <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Fabio Ferrari &#8211; Pool\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-descended-like-a-demon-3\">&#8216;Poga\u010dar descended like a demon&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"e12d5c73-96fb-430b-9d47-ae6c91dfd8e3\">On the Poggio, Poga\u010dar continued with that killer mentality in the way he rode that climb, and it did indeed kill off Van der Poel&#8217;s hopes of a third win. Pidcock really had to dig deep because there was no sign of Poga\u010dar starting to tire or feel the effects of his crash. By the time they reached the top, he would have gained confidence, and that&#8217;s where you start believing that victory is possible. What was most surprising on the descent, though, and surely for Pidcock too, was the way Poga\u010dar, despite his crash, went down the Poggio like a demon, almost making it too difficult for the Pinarello-Q36.5 man to follow him.<\/p>\n<p>By the time they reached the Via Roma, Pidcock looked to be really digging deep when riding on the front \u2013 of course, that could well have been a bluff. But ultimately, in the sprint, there&#8217;s nothing more he could&#8217;ve done against Poga\u010dar. There must have been wind coming from the left, as Poga\u010dar positioned himself well on the right side of the road and just mastered the sprint magnificently. He didn&#8217;t hesitate, even when Pidcock tried to start the sprint early; he just closed the door fractionally on the right, forcing Pidcock to knock off his effort and come around the outside.<\/p>\n<p>Would there have been a different outcome had Pidcock played a different tactic in the sprint? We&#8217;ll never know, but what&#8217;s certain is how impressive their power was in the closing stages of a 300km race \u2013 Poga\u010dar just had that extra amount to stay ahead.<\/p>\n<p>It shouldn&#8217;t diminish Pidcock&#8217;s ride, though; it was a super day for him. He was able to stick with the Slovenian, who shaved another 10 seconds of his Cipressa time; the Briton put in a monster ride, but unfortunately, he came up against a bigger monster. Nonetheless, he shouldn&#8217;t have any regrets. He&#8217;ll take great confidence into the Ardennes and potentially this race again next year.<\/p>\n<p>I know Poga\u010dar hinted that he won&#8217;t be at Milan-San Remo next year, but I think he&#8217;s said those comments in the heat of the moment, after a hectic finale. If he means what he said, though, it will certainly change how the men&#8217;s race plays out. I don&#8217;t see another team controlling the race, in the finale, as UAE do, so it may be a more open race, for the likes of Van Aert \u2013 who put in a great performance to claim the final podium spot despite a bike change \u2013 Filippo Ganna, and others already mentioned to tackle.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/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\/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-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"a-tactical-masterclass-helped-kopecky-win-with-ease-3\">A tactical masterclass helped Kopecky win with ease<\/h2>\n<p id=\"e6548d43-18f5-4dbb-9e7d-a1a3e08e71b6\">In the women&#8217;s race, Lotte Kopecky looked really strong on the Poggio, and SD Worx-Protime benefited from having two cards to play. Lorena Wiebes might have won last year, but as I said in the build-up, you might get over the Poggio in the lead group one year, but the next it&#8217;s a different story, depending on how the race is ridden.<\/p>\n<p>They just went full gas on the Poggio, so for the sprinters, the real true sprinters, it was a difficult task.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"cc091630-c9cc-4228-a10c-2aca05d3c106\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kopecky powers to victory on the Via Roma <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: David Pintens\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"b4fa4d1f-8d1d-4ab1-affe-0a17ebe33ac4\">Kopecky followed and did what she had to do. She&#8217;s able to get over challenging climbs. If we think back to the Tour de France Femmes in recent years, she showed amazing climbing form for someone who is really fast in a sprint as well. She showed that once again on Saturday, manoeuvring the race situation, and played her tactics well.<\/p>\n<p>The sprint on the Via Roma suits her perfectly, and then when you offer her a leadout as if you&#8217;re one of her own teammates, as UAE Team ADQ&#8217;s Dominika W\u0142odarczyk did, then she&#8217;s bound to win with ease, as Kopecky did.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the race was also impacted by a nasty crash coming off the Cipressa. It&#8217;s always a dangerous portion of the route, after so many kilometres in the legs and with tension reaching its peak; in the women&#8217;s race, they were really pushing the pace to the limit here. Yet it&#8217;s not the first time this descent has caught the peloton out over the years; it&#8217;s a real danger. Nonetheless, going onto the Poggio and for the final stages of the race, it changed the dynamic in the women&#8217;s bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-iL6CNVktxus5HokaejxSHn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-iL6CNVktxus5HokaejxSHn slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-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 Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-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\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-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 transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Dorian Godon denies Remco Evenepoel in punchy finish on stage 1<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-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\">Beers and Nortje overhaul GC in finale to win men&#8217;s Cape Epic, as Lill and Keller complete near total domination in women&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Nicole Frain best in three-rider women&#8217;s sprint while Jarno Bellens goes solo to win elite men&#8217;s race at Turnhout Gravel<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-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\">Photo finish at Midwest Cycling Classic goes to Lonneke Uneken as Martina Alzini celebrates too early for a second time<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If you don&#8217;t take risk, it&#8217;s not topsport&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney gives injury update following Milan-San Remo Women crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-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\">GP Jean-Pierre Monser\u00e9: Dylan Groenewegen blasts through final metres and denies breakaway for victory<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-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\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">32-inch gravel wheels, aero tyres and more: Six tech highlights from the Cycling World Europe show<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-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 transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Volta a Catalunya: Dorian Godon denies Remco Evenepoel in punchy finish on stage 1<\/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;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-23T19:39:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tom Pidcock put in a monster ride, but he came up against an even bigger monster in Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/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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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=\"3575d52a-1d61-4c59-8af7-05002f8d2ff0\">What a finale to Milan-San Remo. It&#8217;s a race that&#8217;s always about the finale, as we know, but in this year&#8217;s races, both men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s, they were something special. In many ways, the unfortunate crash for Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel and others just before the Cipressa, and the way they immediately bounced back from that and attacked on the climb, only added to how special this year&#8217;s edition of the men&#8217;s race was.<\/p>\n<p>After the crash, you&#8217;d say to most normal riders, &#8216;Take a moment to recover for a little while here,&#8217; but Poga\u010dar was immediately flying up the outside of everybody and back to the front. To go from hitting the deck to what occurred next in such a short space of time, you have to give it to him; he just keeps on putting in these mind-boggling performances.<\/p>\n<p id=\"3575d52a-1d61-4c59-8af7-05002f8d2ff0-2\">Okay, Poga\u010dar was fortunate that neither he nor his bike were too badly damaged by the crash, unlike both Van der Poel and Wout van Aert, because it allowed him to get back to the front of the pack sooner. However, his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, Brandon McNulty and Isaac del Toro, with the odds already stacked against them due to Jan Christen&#8217;s earlier crash, did a great job returning him to the front and ramping up the speed.<\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>You could say after the crash that he had nothing to lose, but in reality, being able to actually put a plan like that \u2013 attacking on the Cipressa \u2013 into action is completely different. Considering he had absolutely no time to recover, you&#8217;d forgive UAE for falling back to an attack on the Poggio. But instead, they decide to make the race explode right there and then. It&#8217;s mind-blowing racing from Poga\u010dar. But that&#8217;s the kind of rider he is. Tactics? He doesn&#8217;t need any tactics.<\/p>\n<p>When the three of them, Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, and Tom Pidcock, got away, you could quickly see that the Dutchman was feeling the effects of his crash. Pidcock started to share the load, which makes sense when there&#8217;s a podium spot essentially in the bag. But as soon as the Briton did, Poga\u010dar attacked over the top, so he didn&#8217;t ride after that, and I can understand that approach because if you&#8217;re starting to feel it in the legs, and Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trying to hit you with those efforts, you say, &#8216;I&#8217;m not riding anymore.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"f7d6c53b-e4df-4df5-b89c-4db7d4350d60\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar using every inch of the road available to him as the pair look to extend their advantage on the peloton <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Fabio Ferrari &#8211; Pool\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-descended-like-a-demon-3\">&#8216;Poga\u010dar descended like a demon&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"e12d5c73-96fb-430b-9d47-ae6c91dfd8e3\">On the Poggio, Poga\u010dar continued with that killer mentality in the way he rode that climb, and it did indeed kill off Van der Poel&#8217;s hopes of a third win. Pidcock really had to dig deep because there was no sign of Poga\u010dar starting to tire or feel the effects of his crash. By the time they reached the top, he would have gained confidence, and that&#8217;s where you start believing that victory is possible. What was most surprising on the descent, though, and surely for Pidcock too, was the way Poga\u010dar, despite his crash, went down the Poggio like a demon, almost making it too difficult for the Pinarello-Q36.5 man to follow him.<\/p>\n<p>By the time they reached the Via Roma, Pidcock looked to be really digging deep when riding on the front \u2013 of course, that could well have been a bluff. But ultimately, in the sprint, there&#8217;s nothing more he could&#8217;ve done against Poga\u010dar. There must have been wind coming from the left, as Poga\u010dar positioned himself well on the right side of the road and just mastered the sprint magnificently. He didn&#8217;t hesitate, even when Pidcock tried to start the sprint early; he just closed the door fractionally on the right, forcing Pidcock to knock off his effort and come around the outside.<\/p>\n<p>Would there have been a different outcome had Pidcock played a different tactic in the sprint? We&#8217;ll never know, but what&#8217;s certain is how impressive their power was in the closing stages of a 300km race \u2013 Poga\u010dar just had that extra amount to stay ahead.<\/p>\n<p>It shouldn&#8217;t diminish Pidcock&#8217;s ride, though; it was a super day for him. He was able to stick with the Slovenian, who shaved another 10 seconds of his Cipressa time; the Briton put in a monster ride, but unfortunately, he came up against a bigger monster. Nonetheless, he shouldn&#8217;t have any regrets. He&#8217;ll take great confidence into the Ardennes and potentially this race again next year.<\/p>\n<p>I know Poga\u010dar hinted that he won&#8217;t be at Milan-San Remo next year, but I think he&#8217;s said those comments in the heat of the moment, after a hectic finale. If he means what he said, though, it will certainly change how the men&#8217;s race plays out. I don&#8217;t see another team controlling the race, in the finale, as UAE do, so it may be a more open race, for the likes of Van Aert \u2013 who put in a great performance to claim the final podium spot despite a bike change \u2013 Filippo Ganna, and others already mentioned to tackle.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/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\/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-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"a-tactical-masterclass-helped-kopecky-win-with-ease-3\">A tactical masterclass helped Kopecky win with ease<\/h2>\n<p id=\"e6548d43-18f5-4dbb-9e7d-a1a3e08e71b6\">In the women&#8217;s race, Lotte Kopecky looked really strong on the Poggio, and SD Worx-Protime benefited from having two cards to play. Lorena Wiebes might have won last year, but as I said in the build-up, you might get over the Poggio in the lead group one year, but the next it&#8217;s a different story, depending on how the race is ridden.<\/p>\n<p>They just went full gas on the Poggio, so for the sprinters, the real true sprinters, it was a difficult task.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"cc091630-c9cc-4228-a10c-2aca05d3c106\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kopecky powers to victory on the Via Roma <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: David Pintens\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"b4fa4d1f-8d1d-4ab1-affe-0a17ebe33ac4\">Kopecky followed and did what she had to do. She&#8217;s able to get over challenging climbs. If we think back to the Tour de France Femmes in recent years, she showed amazing climbing form for someone who is really fast in a sprint as well. She showed that once again on Saturday, manoeuvring the race situation, and played her tactics well.<\/p>\n<p>The sprint on the Via Roma suits her perfectly, and then when you offer her a leadout as if you&#8217;re one of her own teammates, as UAE Team ADQ&#8217;s Dominika W\u0142odarczyk did, then she&#8217;s bound to win with ease, as Kopecky did.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the race was also impacted by a nasty crash coming off the Cipressa. It&#8217;s always a dangerous portion of the route, after so many kilometres in the legs and with tension reaching its peak; in the women&#8217;s race, they were really pushing the pace to the limit here. Yet it&#8217;s not the first time this descent has caught the peloton out over the years; it&#8217;s a real danger. Nonetheless, going onto the Poggio and for the final stages of the race, it changed the dynamic in the women&#8217;s bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-iL6CNVktxus5HokaejxSHn\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-iL6CNVktxus5HokaejxSHn slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vmD8LbesKYYgEy3Vh8ZQUe.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Sean Kelly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>&#8220;King Kelly&#8221;, the greatest Irish cyclist to have graced the peloton, brought the Emerald Isle to the fore alongside compatriot Stephen Roche in the 1980s. Points winner at the Tour de France four times, GC in the 1988 Vuelta, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at Paris-Nice feature during his glittering career \u2013 alongside double victories at Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-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 Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-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\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-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 transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hc6udSs2xkEjwHjJm4jUk-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\">Volta a Catalunya: Dorian Godon denies Remco Evenepoel in punchy finish on stage 1<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ttWMuHDAKo2dhyrjU6mCRn-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\">Beers and Nortje overhaul GC in finale to win men&#8217;s Cape Epic, as Lill and Keller complete near total domination in women&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-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\">UCI Gravel World Series: Nicole Frain best in three-rider women&#8217;s sprint while Jarno Bellens goes solo to win elite men&#8217;s race at Turnhout Gravel<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y5NqaEQ8iBfpdbTNzmKYvh-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\">Photo finish at Midwest Cycling Classic goes to Lonneke Uneken as Martina Alzini celebrates too early for a second time<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If you don&#8217;t take risk, it&#8217;s not topsport&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney gives injury update following Milan-San Remo Women crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B62rpGhx285hCCaRditVRH-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\">GP Jean-Pierre Monser\u00e9: Dylan Groenewegen blasts through final metres and denies breakaway for victory<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-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\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mikForwhSjoECGciZiavj3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">32-inch gravel wheels, aero tyres and more: Six tech highlights from the Cycling World Europe show<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-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 transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qr7jhDanbFMdv4rQHuvjv6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I&#8217;m 1% off, Tadej will be gone&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel prepares to take on Poga\u010dar on the Cipressa at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCE6b6hbSX5wbBSrHrFur6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s margin for improvement ahead of Giro d&#8217;Italia, Ineos&#8217; tactical hiccup, and the riders who shone in a brutal Paris-Nice \u2013 Philippa York analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HgHzGXUVXmFcxV9edtD8En-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Four WorldTour teams without a win in 2026 as rankings show super-teams soaring but some big hitters struggling<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets 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\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of 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\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Volta a Catalunya: Dorian Godon denies Remco Evenepoel in punchy finish on stage 1<\/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;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMilan-San Remo\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/h1>\n<div class=\"kiosq-member-label\"><span class=\"kiosq-member-label-text\"><b>MEMBER EXCLUSIVE<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSean Kelly <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-23T19:39:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Tom Pidcock put in a monster ride, but he came up against an even bigger monster in Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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It&#8217;s a race that&#8217;s always about the finale, as we know, but in this year&#8217;s races, both men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s, they were something special. In many ways, the unfortunate crash for Tadej Poga\u010dar, Mathieu van der Poel and others just before the Cipressa, and the way they immediately bounced back from that and attacked on the climb, only added to how special this year&#8217;s edition of the men&#8217;s race was.<\/p>\n<p>After the crash, you&#8217;d say to most normal riders, &#8216;Take a moment to recover for a little while here,&#8217; but Poga\u010dar was immediately flying up the outside of everybody and back to the front. To go from hitting the deck to what occurred next in such a short space of time, you have to give it to him; he just keeps on putting in these mind-boggling performances.<\/p>\n<p id=\"3575d52a-1d61-4c59-8af7-05002f8d2ff0-2\">Okay, Poga\u010dar was fortunate that neither he nor his bike were too badly damaged by the crash, unlike both Van der Poel and Wout van Aert, because it allowed him to get back to the front of the pack sooner. However, his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, Brandon McNulty and Isaac del Toro, with the odds already stacked against them due to Jan Christen&#8217;s earlier crash, did a great job returning him to the front and ramping up the speed.<\/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\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CJUknyvtGMxhbEd4pJVUb3-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: All eyes are on Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, but Isaac del Toro is the danger man at Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tpvSkeCzvqy3q8KAbjLPRj-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classic column: Tadej Poga\u010dar is unbeatable, but thank God for Paul Seixas<\/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\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NdgzY8f3EduHrfmgUBNdNE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics Column: Sometimes, you have to be a glass-cranker<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>You could say after the crash that he had nothing to lose, but in reality, being able to actually put a plan like that \u2013 attacking on the Cipressa \u2013 into action is completely different. Considering he had absolutely no time to recover, you&#8217;d forgive UAE for falling back to an attack on the Poggio. But instead, they decide to make the race explode right there and then. It&#8217;s mind-blowing racing from Poga\u010dar. But that&#8217;s the kind of rider he is. Tactics? He doesn&#8217;t need any tactics.<\/p>\n<p>When the three of them, Poga\u010dar, Van der Poel, and Tom Pidcock, got away, you could quickly see that the Dutchman was feeling the effects of his crash. Pidcock started to share the load, which makes sense when there&#8217;s a podium spot essentially in the bag. But as soon as the Briton did, Poga\u010dar attacked over the top, so he didn&#8217;t ride after that, and I can understand that approach because if you&#8217;re starting to feel it in the legs, and Poga\u010dar&#8217;s trying to hit you with those efforts, you say, &#8216;I&#8217;m not riding anymore.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure full-width-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"f7d6c53b-e4df-4df5-b89c-4db7d4350d60\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XSkDDGHNnPmdXmE92Nsrm9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" full-width-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Poga\u010dar using every inch of the road available to him as the pair look to extend their advantage on the peloton <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Fabio Ferrari &#8211; Pool\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"pogacar-descended-like-a-demon-3\">&#8216;Poga\u010dar descended like a demon&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p id=\"e12d5c73-96fb-430b-9d47-ae6c91dfd8e3\">On the Poggio, Poga\u010dar continued with that killer mentality in the way he rode that climb, and it did indeed kill off Van der Poel&#8217;s hopes of a third win. Pidcock really had to dig deep because there was no sign of Poga\u010dar starting to tire or feel the effects of his crash. By the time they reached the top, he would have gained confidence, and that&#8217;s where you start believing that victory is possible. What was most surprising on the descent, though, and surely for Pidcock too, was the way Poga\u010dar, despite his crash, went down the Poggio like a demon, almost making it too difficult for the Pinarello-Q36.5 man to follow him.<\/p>\n<p>By the time they reached the Via Roma, Pidcock looked to be really digging deep when riding on the front \u2013 of course, that could well have been a bluff. But ultimately, in the sprint, there&#8217;s nothing more he could&#8217;ve done against Poga\u010dar. There must have been wind coming from the left, as Poga\u010dar positioned himself well on the right side of the road and just mastered the sprint magnificently. He didn&#8217;t hesitate, even when Pidcock tried to start the sprint early; he just closed the door fractionally on the right, forcing Pidcock to knock off his effort and come around the outside.<\/p>\n<p>Would there have been a different outcome had Pidcock played a different tactic in the sprint? We&#8217;ll never know, but what&#8217;s certain is how impressive their power was in the closing stages of a 300km race \u2013 Poga\u010dar just had that extra amount to stay ahead.<\/p>\n<p>It shouldn&#8217;t diminish Pidcock&#8217;s ride, though; it was a super day for him. He was able to stick with the Slovenian, who shaved another 10 seconds of his Cipressa time; the Briton put in a monster ride, but unfortunately, he came up against a bigger monster. Nonetheless, he shouldn&#8217;t have any regrets. He&#8217;ll take great confidence into the Ardennes and potentially this race again next year.<\/p>\n<p>I know Poga\u010dar hinted that he won&#8217;t be at Milan-San Remo next year, but I think he&#8217;s said those comments in the heat of the moment, after a hectic finale. If he means what he said, though, it will certainly change how the men&#8217;s race plays out. I don&#8217;t see another team controlling the race, in the finale, as UAE do, so it may be a more open race, for the likes of Van Aert \u2013 who put in a great performance to claim the final podium spot despite a bike change \u2013 Filippo Ganna, and others already mentioned to tackle.<\/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\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/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\/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-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-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\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"a-tactical-masterclass-helped-kopecky-win-with-ease-3\">A tactical masterclass helped Kopecky win with ease<\/h2>\n<p id=\"e6548d43-18f5-4dbb-9e7d-a1a3e08e71b6\">In the women&#8217;s race, Lotte Kopecky looked really strong on the Poggio, and SD Worx-Protime benefited from having two cards to play. Lorena Wiebes might have won last year, but as I said in the build-up, you might get over the Poggio in the lead group one year, but the next it&#8217;s a different story, depending on how the race is ridden.<\/p>\n<p>They just went full gas on the Poggio, so for the sprinters, the real true sprinters, it was a difficult task.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"cc091630-c9cc-4228-a10c-2aca05d3c106\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1440-80.jpg.webp 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gTt76NjVYMUyTZGAVBSAhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kopecky powers to victory on the Via Roma <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: David Pintens\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"b4fa4d1f-8d1d-4ab1-affe-0a17ebe33ac4\">Kopecky followed and did what she had to do. She&#8217;s able to get over challenging climbs. If we think back to the Tour de France Femmes in recent years, she showed amazing climbing form for someone who is really fast in a sprint as well. She showed that once again on Saturday, manoeuvring the race situation, and played her tactics well.<\/p>\n<p>The sprint on the Via Roma suits her perfectly, and then when you offer her a leadout as if you&#8217;re one of her own teammates, as UAE Team ADQ&#8217;s Dominika W\u0142odarczyk did, then she&#8217;s bound to win with ease, as Kopecky did.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the race was also impacted by a nasty crash coming off the Cipressa. It&#8217;s always a dangerous portion of the route, after so many kilometres in the legs and with tension reaching its peak; in the women&#8217;s race, they were really pushing the pace to the limit here. Yet it&#8217;s not the first time this descent has caught the peloton out over the years; it&#8217;s a real danger. Nonetheless, going onto the Poggio and for the final stages of the race, it changed the dynamic in the women&#8217;s bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/sean-kellys-classics-column-sometimes-pogacar-doesnt-need-tactics-to-win\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-1920-80.png&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Milan-San Remo Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Features By Sean Kelly published 23 March 2026 Tom Pidcock put in a monster ride, but he came up against an even bigger monster in Tadej Poga\u010dar When you purchase through links on our [&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-1843504","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\/1843504","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=1843504"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1843504\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1843504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1843504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1843504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}