Sanremo, Italy – The cycling world turns its attention to the Italian Riviera this weekend for Milan-Sanremo, the first of cycling’s five “Monument” races. All eyes are on defending champion Mathieu van der Poel, but a resurgent Tadej Pogacar is poised to challenge for the title on Saturday, March 21st, promising a thrilling duel between two of the sport’s biggest stars. The 117th edition of the race, stretching 298 kilometers (approximately 185 miles), will test the endurance and tactical acumen of the peloton as they navigate a challenging course culminating in a sprint finish on the Via Roma.
Van der Poel enters the race as the clear favorite, having demonstrated exceptional form throughout the spring classics season. His victory at the Omloop Nieuwsblad earlier this month underscored his readiness for the demanding one-day races. Although, Pogacar’s recent dominance, particularly his commanding win at the Strade Bianche on March 7th, signals that he is a serious contender. The Slovenian champion covered the final 78 kilometers of that race solo, a display of power and endurance that has sent a clear message to his rivals.
Pogacar Chasing Monument History
For Pogacar, Milan-Sanremo represents more than just another race; it’s an opportunity to etch his name further into cycling history. A victory would see him equal Belgian legend Roger de Vlaeminck’s tally of 11 Monument wins. At 27 years ancient, Pogacar already boasts 10 Monument victories, placing him third all-time, just one behind de Vlaeminck and nine shy of Eddy Merckx’s record of 19. The pressure is on for Pogacar, who has finished third in the last two editions of Milan-Sanremo, to finally claim the title that has eluded him.
Van der Poel, meanwhile, has already secured two Milan-Sanremo titles, winning in 2023 and 2025. He currently holds 8 Monument victories, establishing himself as a dominant force in the spring classics. The rivalry between the two riders has quickly become one of the most compelling storylines in professional cycling, with each pushing the other to new heights.
A Course Designed for a Dramatic Finish
The 2026 Milan-Sanremo course largely follows the traditional route, featuring a challenging final 60 kilometers that includes the ascents of the Cipressa and the Poggio. The race distance has been extended by nine kilometers compared to last year, reaching a maximum of 298 kilometers due to a slight alteration in the early stages. The Poggio, a steep 3.7-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 3.6%, looms large just 5.6 kilometers from the finish line, often serving as the launchpad for decisive attacks.
The race’s history is filled with unpredictable finishes, and this year promises to be no different. The long distance and undulating terrain can whittle down the peloton, leaving only the strongest riders to contest the victory. While sprinters have traditionally performed well in Milan-Sanremo, the course’s challenging climbs increasingly favor riders with strong climbing and tactical abilities.
Van der Poel Acknowledges Pogacar’s Threat
The psychological battle between Van der Poel and Pogacar is as significant as the physical one. Van der Poel, acknowledging Pogacar’s growing strength, recently stated, “Last year Tadej was very close to winning. If I’m 1% less good on the Cipressa, he goes alone. It’s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-Sanremo.” This candid assessment highlights the respect Van der Poel has for his rival and the understanding that even a slight dip in form could prove costly.
Pogacar, for his part, has made no secret of his desire to win “La Primavera,” as the race is affectionately known. “It’s no secret to anyone that I want to win this race,” he said, emphasizing the importance of Milan-Sanremo to his overall ambitions. He has analyzed his previous attempts, learning from his mistakes and refining his tactics.
Beyond Van der Poel and Pogacar, riders like Filippo Ganna, who finished second to Van der Poel last year, will also be looking to challenge for the win. The race is known for its unpredictable nature, and a dark horse could easily emerge to spoil the plans of the favorites.
Milan-Sanremo is a race that demands a unique blend of endurance, strength, and tactical intelligence. The long distance, challenging climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions create a spectacle that captivates cycling fans around the world. This year’s edition promises to be another thrilling chapter in the race’s storied history, with Van der Poel and Pogacar poised to deliver a captivating duel for the title.
The race begins Saturday, March 21st, with the expected finish time around 5:00 PM CET (11:00 AM EST). Fans can follow live coverage on various sports networks and streaming platforms. Following Milan-Sanremo, both Van der Poel and Pogacar are expected to continue their spring campaigns with participation in other major classics, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
What are your predictions for Milan-Sanremo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
