Milan, Italy – Tadej Pogacar claimed victory in the 117th edition of Milan-San Remo on Saturday, March 21, 2026, after a grueling race that saw him overcome a mid-race crash and ultimately outduel a determined Tom Pidcock in a sprint finish. The race, a classic one-day cycling event, unfolded with dramatic twists and turns, most notably the struggles of pre-race favorite Mathieu van der Poel on the decisive Poggio climb.
The day’s racing was marked by early attacks and a fast pace, setting the stage for a challenging finale. A crash involving Wout van Aert and Pogacar before the Cipressa climb initially threatened to derail the Slovenian’s chances. While Van Aert was directly involved, Van der Poel experienced a separate incident, reportedly having a bike fall on him, momentarily disrupting his rhythm. Despite the setbacks, both Pogacar and Van der Poel managed to rejoin the front of the race, setting up a highly anticipated showdown on the Poggio.
It was on the steep slopes of the Poggio that Pogacar launched a decisive attack, immediately putting pressure on his rivals. Van der Poel, however, was unable to respond, visibly struggling to maintain contact with the leading group. Tom Pidcock proved to be the only rider capable of matching Pogacar’s acceleration, the two riders forging ahead as Van der Poel faded.
The duo entered the final kilometers together, setting up a sprint finish for the coveted title. Pogacar ultimately proved to have the stronger kick, crossing the finish line ahead of Pidcock to secure his first Milan-San Remo victory. The result marks a significant achievement for the Slovenian champion, adding another prestigious monument to his palmarès.
Van der Poel’s Struggles Explained
The unexpected difficulty experienced by Van der Poel on the Poggio has sparked considerable discussion within the cycling community. David van der Poel, brother of Mathieu, offered insight into the factors that may have contributed to his brother’s struggles, speaking on the “Vals Plat” program. According to David, the earlier incident, combined with the increased effort required to rejoin the front of the race, played a crucial role.
“We talked about it when we went for a ride,” David van der Poel explained. “The effort became much longer. Normally, it’s eight minutes (full gas, ed.) on the Cipressa, but now there were another three or four kilometers added to that. That makes a difference, of course.”
This extended effort, stemming from the demand to chase back after the earlier disruption, appears to have taken a toll on Van der Poel, leaving him unable to respond to Pogacar’s powerful attack on the Poggio. David van der Poel further speculated that Pogacar simply demonstrated superior strength on the day. “His times on the Cipressa and Poggio were similar, he said. So Pogacar was just stronger than last year.”
The race highlighted Pogacar’s remarkable resilience and tactical acumen. Despite the early crash, he was able to recover and deliver a winning performance, showcasing his exceptional climbing ability and sprinting prowess. The Slovenian’s ability to navigate the challenging course and capitalize on opportunities ultimately proved decisive.
The performance of Tom Pidcock also deserves recognition. The young British rider demonstrated impressive strength and determination, sticking with Pogacar throughout the final climb and challenging him all the way to the finish line. Pidcock’s second-place finish solidifies his position as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Pogacar’s Impressive Recovery
The circumstances surrounding Pogacar’s victory were particularly noteworthy, given his earlier crash. As reported by Eurosport Nederland, the incident involving Pogacar and Van Aert before the Cipressa initially appeared to jeopardize his chances. However, Pogacar demonstrated remarkable composure and determination, quickly regaining contact with the peloton and positioning himself for a strong finish.
David van der Poel’s observation about the sheer power displayed by Pogacar on the Cipressa was striking. “If you see the helicopter footage, it’s really absurd,” he said. “The rest seem to be standing still while they are all pushing 500 or 600 watts. They aren’t going up at 200 watts.” This underscores the exceptional physical capabilities of the Slovenian champion and his ability to generate immense power even under pressure.
The Milan-San Remo result further cements Pogacar’s status as one of the leading figures in professional cycling. His victory adds to a growing list of accomplishments, establishing him as a formidable competitor in both stage races and one-day classics. The race also serves as an important early-season benchmark for riders preparing for the upcoming Grand Tours.
Looking ahead, Pogacar will undoubtedly be a key contender in the upcoming cycling season. His performance in Milan-San Remo suggests he is in excellent form and poised for further success. Fans can expect to see him challenging for victory in major races throughout the year.
The next major event on the cycling calendar is the E3 Classic, scheduled for March 27, 2026, in Belgium. This race will provide another opportunity for Pogacar and his rivals to test their form and battle for supremacy on the cobblestone roads of Flanders.
