MILAN — Tadej Pogacar, one of the most accomplished cyclists in recent years, is poised to target a victory that has eluded him multiple times in his illustrious career. Over time, Pogacar has developed a complex relationship with the Milan-San Remo race, a premier challenge in the cycling season. Known as La Classicissima, this race is the longest one-day classic in Europe and marks the first big event in the cycling calendar.
Despite several determined attempts, Pogacar has not yet triumphed in the grueling contest, leading him to remark, “Milan-San Remo is probably the race that will torment me for the longest time.” However, this year could be different for the Slovenian cyclist as he plans to change his tactics to potentially crest the summit of this elusive title.
Traditionally, Pogacar has made his move on the iconic Poggio climb, which lies shortly before the conclusion of the nearly 290-kilometer (or 180-mile) race. Although this climb is short and steep, it lacks the severe gradients Pogacar excels at during his Tour victories. in past attempts, his adversaries have managed to stick close and overtake during the descent.
A strategic option for Pogacar is tackling the penultimate climb on the Cipressa, about 20 kilometers from the finish. While others have attempted this strategy before, historically, the long, flat stretch of road from the Cipressa to the Poggio has allowed chasers to regroup. It’s been over 30 years since this climb proved decisive.
Evidence suggests Pogacar may pursue this daring strategy. This winter, cycling enthusiasts noticed him exerting maximum effort on the Cipressa, presumably preparing for this weekend’s race. Pogacar remarked, “I know the final of the parcours really well by now, and we’ll hope to light up the race. Can we win? For sure it won’t be easy, but we will give it a good shot.” He emphasized that numerous scenarios could unfold, and his team plans to position themselves advantageously.
Additional indications hint at Pogacar orchestrating an ambitious, long-range solo move to distance other competitors. “Joking around with Tadej, we got it into our heads to do the Cipressa in under nine minutes,” UAE Team Emirates teammate Tim Wellens commented. If accomplished, this feat would surpass the current Cipressa climbing record of 9 minutes, 16 seconds, established in 1996 by Gabriele Colombo.
Although Wellens may have made this assertion in jest, anything Pogacar considers can trigger widespread concern among his rivals. This year’s race could ultimately be the setting for Pogacar’s breakthrough in conquering Milan-San Remo.