Nokere Koerse, Belgium – Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Premier Tech secured his first victory of the 2026 season on Wednesday, overcoming a chaotic race that included a shoe change and a challenging return to the peloton. But even as he celebrated the win, the Belgian sprinter was already looking ahead to Saturday’s Milan-San Remo, and offering a candid assessment of his chances – and those of his rivals. Philipsen also highlighted Wout van Aert as a rider capable of challenging the expected dominance of Tadej Pogačar and his teammate, Mathieu van der Poel, in the prestigious Italian classic.
The victory at Nokere Koerse was a welcome relief for Philipsen, who admitted the start to his season hadn’t gone according to plan. “I have had to wait for this,” Philipsen told Sporza after the race. “It didn’t all travel as planned, and I didn’t always have a great feeling. I also had a bit of bad luck, so I’m happy to take my first win.” He acknowledged a difficult moment during the race, stating, “I actually lost my best legs getting back after a shoe change, and I was still struggling a bit in the sprint. But thankfully, I made it.”
Philipsen credited his team for their support in positioning him for the final sprint. “I felt I still had good legs for that tough finish, and the team did everything to get me there. Hopefully, this is the first of many,” he said.
Philipsen Identifies Van Aert as a Potential Spoiler
Despite the confidence boost from his Nokere Koerse win, Philipsen doesn’t anticipate a repeat performance at Milan-San Remo. He views Mathieu van der Poel as Alpecin-Premier Tech’s primary contender against Tadej Pogačar, expecting a fierce battle between the two on the climbs of Cipressa, and Poggio. “The only rider who should be considered capable of countering ‘Pogi’ and following him on Cipressa and/or Poggio… that’s where the legs speak,” Philipsen stated. “And everyone else, except perhaps one exceptional rider like Filippo Ganna last year, will have to fall back.”
However, when asked about a rider who could disrupt the anticipated duel between Pogačar and van der Poel, Philipsen surprisingly pointed to Wout van Aert. “He made a very good impression in Italy,” Philipsen said, suggesting van Aert could be a factor. “I think he won’t be far off.”
The assessment is notable given the current form of both riders. Pogačar has demonstrated dominance throughout the early season, while van der Poel has already secured three victories, including wins at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and two stages at Tirreno-Adriatico. Philipsen’s comments suggest he believes van Aert’s recent performances in Italy indicate a potential for a strong showing at Milan-San Remo.
Philipsen’s own ambitions for Milan-San Remo appear more measured. Speaking to Wielerflits.nl, as reported by Cyclingnews, he described his chances as “very small,” stating that everything would require to go right for him to contend for the win. He indicated he may adopt a more defensive role in the race, supporting his teammate van der Poel.
The Milan-San Remo course, often referred to as “La Primavera” (The Spring), is known for its challenging climbs and unpredictable finish. The race typically culminates in a sprint finish after navigating the Cipressa and Poggio climbs, which often serve as launchpads for decisive attacks. The 2026 edition is expected to follow this traditional format, with the race covering approximately 294 kilometers (183 miles) from Milan to San Remo.
Philipsen’s victory at Nokere Koerse, while a significant achievement, came in a very different type of race than Milan-San Remo. Nokere Koerse is characterized by short, steep climbs and cobblestone sections, demanding explosive power and technical skill. Milan-San Remo, requires endurance, tactical awareness, and the ability to navigate a long and demanding course.
The dynamic between Alpecin-Premier Tech’s two star sprinters, Philipsen and van der Poel, will be a key storyline to watch at Milan-San Remo. Van der Poel has already proven his ability to win the race, having secured victories in 2023 and 2025. Philipsen’s role will likely be to support van der Poel, but his own form and the potential for a chaotic race could create opportunities for him to challenge for the win.
The presence of Tadej Pogačar adds another layer of complexity to the race. The Slovenian superstar has quickly established himself as one of the most dominant riders in the world, and his participation in Milan-San Remo has raised the stakes considerably. Pogačar’s climbing prowess and tactical intelligence make him a formidable opponent, and he will undoubtedly be a marked man in the race.
With the race just days away, all eyes are on the contenders as they prepare for what promises to be a thrilling edition of Milan-San Remo. The unpredictable nature of the race, combined with the presence of several top riders, ensures a captivating spectacle for cycling fans worldwide.
Next up for Philipsen and the Alpecin-Premier Tech team is Milan-San Remo on Saturday, March 28th. The race is scheduled to start at 10:50 AM CET (4:50 AM EDT). Fans can follow live coverage on various sports networks and streaming platforms.
