Pavia, Italy – Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team ADQ claimed victory in the 2026 Milano-Sanremo on Saturday, but the race was marred by early course errors and a series of crashes that impacted several key contenders. The 114th edition of the “Primavera” saw a bizarre start as a group of riders mistakenly went the wrong way shortly after the official start, while multiple falls throughout the day affected riders including Pogačar, Wout van Aert, and Mathieu van der Poel.
The race began with immediate confusion as a leading group of riders, believing they were part of the day’s breakaway, incorrectly followed directions at a roundabout, heading straight instead of turning right. This navigational error, compounded by similar mistakes from race vehicles, forced the riders to expend energy chasing back to the peloton. The incident echoed a similar issue at Strade Bianche earlier in March, where a group of female riders was mistakenly directed onto a gravel section.
INEOS Grenadiers Hit Hard by Mid-Race Crash
As the race progressed, a significant crash approximately 60 kilometers from the finish line severely impacted the INEOS Grenadiers team. Marcel Camprubí (Pinarello-Q36.5) made contact with an INEOS rider, initiating a fall that involved Connor Swift and Ben Turner. Michal Kwiatkowski suffered the most serious consequences, being forced to abandon the race with visible pain. The crash significantly diminished INEOS Grenadiers’ chances in the closing stages.
Early Incidents and Key Crashes
Prior to the major incident affecting INEOS, Jan Christen (UAE Team ADQ) and Orluis Aular (Movistar) both crashed and were forced to withdraw from the race. Still, the most impactful crash occurred near the base of the Cipressa, the penultimate climb and a traditional launchpad for attacks. Pogačar was among those involved in the fall, with Wout van Aert as well caught up in the chaos. Further examination revealed that Mathieu van der Poel sustained injuries after making contact with a bicycle during the incident.
Despite the crash, van der Poel was able to rejoin the race and even positioned himself at the front of the peloton as they began the ascent of the Cipressa. However, he finished with visible wounds on his left hand and arm.
Pogačar Secures Victory, Van Aert Third, Van der Poel Finishes Eighth
Despite the challenging circumstances, Tadej Pogačar demonstrated his strength and resilience, ultimately winning the 2026 Milano-Sanremo. Wout van Aert secured third place, while Mathieu van der Poel finished eighth. The official results, as reported by the race organizers, confirm Pogačar’s winning time of 6:35:49, with Thomas Pidcock finishing second, just seconds behind.
The victory marks another significant achievement for Pogačar, solidifying his position as one of the world’s leading cyclists. The race, however, will be remembered as much for the unusual incidents and crashes as for the final result. The early course error and the mid-race fall highlighted organizational challenges, while the crash on the Cipressa underscored the inherent risks of professional cycling.
The Milano-Sanremo is a notoriously difficult race to control, and this year’s edition proved to be no exception. The unpredictable nature of the course, combined with the aggressive tactics of the competing teams, created a dynamic and often chaotic race. The crashes, while unfortunate, are a reminder of the physical demands and inherent dangers faced by professional cyclists.
For fans following the sport, the 2026 Milano-Sanremo offered a compelling mix of drama, athleticism, and unexpected twists. The race showcased the resilience of the riders and the complexities of organizing a major cycling event. The incident with the initial wrong turn is particularly noteworthy, raising questions about course preparation and communication with the riders.
The next major event on the cycling calendar is Strade Bianche, where Pogačar is also expected to compete. Fans can follow updates and results on the official Milano-Sanremo website (https://www.milanosanremo.it/en/) and through official team channels.
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