Tadej Pogačar will tackle the first major challenge of the spring classics season this Saturday, aiming to conquer Milan-San Remo. The Slovenian star is looking to add the prestigious Italian monument to his already impressive palmarès, a race that has proven elusive despite multiple near misses.
Milan-San Remo, dubbed “La Classissima,” is the longest professional road cycling race on the calendar, stretching 298 kilometers (approximately 185 miles) from Pavia to San Remo. The race is known for its unique character – a long, often tactical procession before a thrilling and unpredictable finale. It’s the first of cycling’s five “Monuments,” followed by the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour of Lombardy.
Pogačar, fresh off a victory at the Strade Bianche, has finished just off the podium in recent editions of Milan-San Remo, placing 12th in 2020, 5th in 2022, 4th in 2023, and 3rd in both 2024 and 2025. This year, he’s hoping the combination of form and tactical execution will finally land him on the top step of the podium on the Via Roma.
However, Pogačar will face stiff competition, most notably from two-time Milan-San Remo winner Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutchman, who claimed victories in 2023 and 2025, has been sharpening his form at Tirreno-Adriatico, securing two stage wins and demonstrating his continued dominance. Van der Poel has played a key role in denying Pogačar victory in the past three years, and a rematch is highly anticipated.
The decisive phase of the race unfolds over the final 50 kilometers, featuring a challenging sequence of climbs – Capo Mele, Capo Cerva, Capo Berta, the Cipressa, and the Poggio – before a quick descent to the finish line in San Remo. Van der Poel has suggested that the UAE Team Emirates’ strategy could revolve around launching an attack from Pogačar on the Cipressa, a notoriously difficult climb that often separates the contenders.
Other riders expected to feature prominently include Filippo Ganna and Wout van Aert, both of whom were as well competing at Tirreno-Adriatico. Their presence adds another layer of complexity to what promises to be a captivating race.
For cycling fans, Milan-San Remo offers a compelling blend of endurance, tactics, and explosive power. The long distance tests the riders’ stamina, even as the final climbs demand strength and tactical awareness. The unpredictable nature of the race means that even the strongest riders can be caught out, making it a spectacle that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The 117th edition of Milan-San Remo will be broadcast live on Eurosport 2. The race begins on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time in Italy (Central European Time/CET), which is 4:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) for viewers in the United States and Canada.
Pogačar’s participation marks a significant moment in the spring classics season. His ambition to win Milan-San Remo is clear, and his recent form suggests he is a strong contender. However, with Van der Poel and other top riders also vying for victory, the race is shaping up to be a thrilling battle between cycling’s elite.
Following Milan-San Remo, Pogačar is scheduled to compete in the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) on April 5, 2026, and Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France on April 12, 2026, continuing his campaign through the spring classics. These races will further test his abilities and provide opportunities to add more prestigious victories to his growing list of accomplishments.
The showdown between Pogačar and Van der Poel is one that cycling fans have been eagerly anticipating. Their contrasting styles and competitive spirit promise a captivating contest, and the outcome of Milan-San Remo could set the tone for the rest of the spring classics season.
What are your predictions for Milan-San Remo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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