Van der Poel‘s Cyclocross Commitment Deals Blow to Pogačar‘s Milan-San Remo Hopes
Table of Contents
- 1. Van der Poel’s Cyclocross Commitment Deals Blow to Pogačar’s Milan-San Remo Hopes
- 2. How does Mathieu van der Poel’s recent performance in the Ronde van Vlaanderen impact Tadej Pogačar’s chances of winning Milan-Sanremo?
- 3. Van der Poel’s ronde van Vlaanderen Threatens Pogačar’s Sanremo Victory Ambitions
- 4. The Shifting Sands of Spring Classics dominance
- 5. Ronde van Vlaanderen: A Statement of Intent
- 6. Pogačar’s Sanremo Strategy: Now Under Scrutiny
- 7. The Challenge of a Long-Range Attack
- 8. The Need for Tactical Flexibility
- 9. Historical Precedent: The impact of Classics Form
- 10. The Cipressa and Poggio: Key Battlegrounds
- 11. Beyond Van der Poel: Other Contenders
updated November 29, 2025 12:00PM
Tadej Pogačar’s quest for his first Milan
How does Mathieu van der Poel’s recent performance in the Ronde van Vlaanderen impact Tadej Pogačar’s chances of winning Milan-Sanremo?
Van der Poel’s ronde van Vlaanderen Threatens Pogačar’s Sanremo Victory Ambitions
The Shifting Sands of Spring Classics dominance
Mathieu van der Poel’s commanding victory at the 2024 Ronde van Vlaanderen wasn’t just another win; it sent ripples through the cycling world, directly impacting the perceived trajectory of Tadej Pogačar’s ambitions for Milan-Sanremo.While Pogačar remains a formidable force, Van der Poel’s performance demonstrated a clear shift in power within the Spring Classics, raising serious questions about whether the Slovenian can secure his long-sought-after victory on the Via roma. This article dissects the implications of van der Poel’s dominance, analyzing the tactical and physical challenges Pogačar now faces.
Ronde van Vlaanderen: A Statement of Intent
Van der Poel’s 2024 Ronde win wasn’t a close call.He didn’t just win; he controlled the race, showcasing an unprecedented level of strength and tactical acumen on the iconic Flemish cobbles. This wasn’t a surprise to those following his cyclocross season, where he displayed exceptional form. Though, translating that form to a 265km monument was a different challenge altogether – one he conquered decisively.
* Aggressive Racing: Van der Poel’s aggressive attacks, especially on the key climbs like the Paterberg, left his rivals struggling to respond.
* Superior Team Support: Alpecin-Deceuninck’s cohesive team strategy played a crucial role, neutralizing attacks and positioning Van der Poel perfectly for decisive moves.
* Physical Prowess: His ability to repeatedly accelerate on the cobbles, and maintain that power over the distance, proved superior to his competitors.
This performance wasn’t just about winning Ronde van Vlaanderen; it was a psychological blow to Pogačar and a clear signal of Van der Poel’s intent to dominate the cobbled classics. The implications for milan-Sanremo are significant.
Pogačar’s Sanremo Strategy: Now Under Scrutiny
Pogačar’s Milan-Sanremo strategy has historically revolved around conserving energy for a powerful sprint on the Via roma. He’s repeatedly demonstrated his ability to navigate the challenging climbs of the cipressa and Poggio, arriving at the finish line with the select group of contenders. However,Van der Poel’s Ronde win suggests a potential shift in tactics is needed.
The Challenge of a Long-Range Attack
Van der Poel’s strength suggests he’s capable of launching a devastating long-range attack on the Poggio, potentially fracturing the peloton and forcing Pogačar to respond earlier than he’d prefer. pogačar’s sprinting prowess is undeniable, but it’s less effective if he’s already fatigued from chasing down a relentless attacker.
The Need for Tactical Flexibility
Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates must now consider:
- Marking Van der Poel: dedicated riders to shadow Van der Poel’s every move, preventing him from gaining an unbridgeable gap.
- Choice Finish Strategies: Developing plans beyond relying solely on a sprint finish, including potential attacks of their own.
- Team Dynamics: Ensuring the entire team is prepared to support Pogačar in various scenarios, not just a bunch sprint.
Historical Precedent: The impact of Classics Form
Looking back at previous Milan-Sanremo winners, a strong showing in the Spring Classics often correlates with success. Riders who demonstrate form and confidence in races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, and, crucially, Ronde van Vlaanderen, tend to carry that momentum into the Italian monument.
* Fabian Cancellara (2019): A dominant force in the cobbled classics,Cancellara’s strength and tactical awareness were key to his Sanremo victory.
* Alexander Kristoff (2014): Kristoff’s strong performance in the Flemish races signaled his excellent form, which he capitalized on in Sanremo.
This historical trend further emphasizes the threat Van der Poel poses to Pogačar’s ambitions.
The Cipressa and Poggio: Key Battlegrounds
The cipressa and Poggio climbs remain crucial points in the Milan-Sanremo race. Though, Van der Poel’s Ronde performance suggests he’s capable of riding these climbs with considerably more aggression and power than previously anticipated.
* Cipressa: Van der Poel could use the Cipressa to launch a probing attack, testing the resolve of the peloton and potentially creating a selection.
* Poggio: The Poggio is where the race is most likely to be decided. Van der Poel’s ability to accelerate on steep gradients could prove decisive, potentially forcing Pogačar into a reactive position.
Beyond Van der Poel: Other Contenders
While Van der Poel represents the most immediate threat, Pogačar must also contend with other strong contenders, including:
