After six attempts, Tadej Pogačar finally conquered Milan-San Remo on Saturday, etching his name into the history of the iconic Italian monument. The victory, secured in a thrilling sprint finish against Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5), wasn’t just a triumph of athletic prowess, but a release of mounting pressure that had built with each near miss. The 2024 World Champion’s win came after a dramatic race that included a crash, a determined chase, and a tactical attack on the Cipressa, solidifying his place among cycling’s elite.
Milan-San Remo had become a significant hurdle for Pogačar, with previous podium finishes only amplifying the desire for a win. The challenging course and formidable rivals made victory seem increasingly elusive. Now, with the weight lifted, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider can reflect on the race with a smile – and perhaps a slice of focaccia, a local Ligurian specialty.
“It’s quite a relief to finally win it. It’s been many years of training around here and I will miss it,” Pogačar said in the post-race press conference, as reported by Cyclingnews. Remarkably, Pogačar even hinted at the possibility of retirement from the race, joking that any future return would be solely for culinary purposes.
Tom Pidcock revealed after the podium ceremony that Pogačar had told him he may never race Milan-San Remo again. Pogačar confirmed this sentiment to Cyclingnews, stating, “If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia…” This comment underscored the mental and physical toll the race takes, requiring intense dedication and frequent training on its demanding roads.
The race took a dramatic turn when Pogačar crashed near the start of the Cipressa climb, suffering road rash and damaging his kit. The BBC reported that Pogačar initially feared his race was over, but a surge of adrenaline and the support of his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates allowed him to rejoin the peloton and launch his attack.
A Remarkable Recovery and Tactical Masterclass
Pogačar’s ability to recover from the crash and immediately rejoin the front of the race was a testament to his resilience and the strength of his team. Only Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) and Pidcock were able to stay with Pogačar’s attack on the Cipressa, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. Van der Poel was eventually dropped on the Poggio, leaving Pogačar and Pidcock to battle for the win.
The final sprint on the Via Roma was incredibly close, with Pogačar edging out Pidcock by a mere half-wheel. “To sprint against Tom head to head was also crazy. I was doubtful until the line,” Pogačar admitted, highlighting the intensity of the competition. He confirmed that this victory ranks among the biggest of his already illustrious career, according to Cycling Weekly.
Four Monuments and a Glimpse of History
With this win, Pogačar has now claimed four of cycling’s five prestigious Monument Classics. Only Paris-Roubaix remains, presenting him with the opportunity to achieve a historic triplette of Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix in the coming weeks. He currently sits level with Roger de Vlaeminck with 11 Monument victories, trailing only Eddy Merckx’s record of 19, as noted by the BBC.
“I’m just so happy now that I’ve won San Remo that whatever comes next is fine, I will not beat my head or anything,” Pogačar said, emphasizing his desire to savor the moment. He plans to approach the upcoming Belgian races with a strong team, aiming for victory in both Flanders and Roubaix.
Pogačar’s victory at Milan-San Remo is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the strength of his team. While his future participation in the race remains uncertain, his place in cycling history is now firmly secured.
What are your thoughts on Pogačar’s win and his potential future in the Classics? Share your opinions in the comments below.
