Michael Matthews’ achievements are a succulent cake without the icing of a monument
What a look on Michael Matthews’ face as he crossed the finish line of the Via Roma in San Remo second.
A silver disappointment, overcome in extremis by Jasper Philipsen, which did not last long, since the next image was to see him congratulating the Belgian with Pogacar.
But Don’t let that good vibes confuse usbecause for Michael Matthews history is cruel when it comes to monuments.
From early on the Australian has been a successful cyclist, with good speed and instinct, he has been one of the most present cyclists in the last decade of cycling.
He has survived very powerful generations, from that of Sagan, Van Avermaet, Degenkolb and company to the present.
He has swum among great cyclists and this has not prevented him from achieving more than 40 winsincluding ten stages in the big three, being a member of that exclusive club of runners with milestones in all the three-week laps.
Seeing its profile, its character on the road, how it handles itself, that’s why we miss a monument.
Despite his prolific record, he has not often had it in his power to win a race of this size.
The Milan-San Remo has in fact been the classic that has been bestwith three podiums and other places in the top ten.
He was third twice: nine years ago surpassed by Degenkolb and Kristoff and in 2020 leading the sprint ahead of Sagan from the pursuers of Van Aert and Alaphilippe.
In Liège, he was one step away from the podium in one of Alejandro Valverde’s victories, in 2017, and in Flanders he finished sixth two years later, on Alberto Bettiol’s big day.
I have been quoting Michael Matthews’ rivals to know with whom the quarters have been played before meeting Pogacar, Philipsen, Van der Poel, Mohoric and Pidcock, among others.
An exceptional runner, with a great record, but he will surely remain without that monument that will undoubtedly keep him awake.
And winning Bretagne, Montreal and Quebec is good, but a monument is putting your name among the all-time greats, something that Matthews knows and values as it deserves.
2024-03-20 05:56:42
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