Sanremo, Italy – Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates XRG etched his name into cycling lore Saturday, conquering the 117th Milan-San Remo despite a harrowing crash and, remarkably, finishing the race with a fractured frame on his bicycle. The victory, his first in this prestigious one-day classic, caps a long pursuit for the Slovenian superstar, who had previously finished in the top five on multiple occasions.
Pogacar sprinted to victory ahead of Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock of Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, after a grueling 298-kilometer race from Pavia to Sanremo. The win underscores Pogacar’s resilience and tactical brilliance, solidifying his position as one of the sport’s dominant figures. The Milan-San Remo, often dubbed “La Primavera” (The Spring Classic), is renowned for its challenging course and unpredictable nature, and this year’s edition proved no exception.
A Crash and a Concealed Fracture
The drama unfolded with 33 kilometers remaining when Pogacar was involved in a crash alongside several other riders, including fellow contenders Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. The incident occurred while navigating a bend in Imperia, sending a shockwave through the peloton. While Pogacar quickly rejoined the race, the extent of the damage to his bike remained unknown – until after he crossed the finish line.
“We only noticed after the finish that Tadej continued on a bike with a broken frame,” revealed his mechanic, Bostjan Kavcnik, to Slovenian media outlet Delo. “The rear fork was damaged, causing the brake disc to constantly rub against the pads, but thankfully it held up.” This revelation adds another layer of astonishment to Pogacar’s achievement, highlighting his ability to overcome adversity and maintain peak performance under immense pressure.
The crash itself involved multiple riders, including Biniam Girmay and Giulio Pellizzarri, adding to the chaos of the race. Van der Poel sustained cuts to his hand, but was able to continue, while Van Aert also remounted after the fall. The incident forced Pogacar to expend significant energy to rejoin the front of the race, a feat that seemed improbable given the circumstances.
Unaware and Undeterred
Remarkably, Pogacar was unaware of the extent of the damage to his bike during the final kilometers. “Tadej didn’t realize the condition of his bike, so we didn’t change it,” Kavcnik explained. “If he had known, he wouldn’t have descended so aggressively, putting Pidcock under pressure.” This lack of awareness arguably contributed to Pogacar’s aggressive racing style, allowing him to launch a decisive attack on the Poggio, the final climb before the finish.
Pogacar’s attack on the Poggio proved pivotal, shedding Van der Poel and leaving him to battle with Pidcock. The two riders engaged in a fierce duel, pushing each other to their limits as they approached the finish line in Sanremo. In a thrilling sprint finish, Pogacar edged out Pidcock by a mere half-wheel, securing his long-awaited victory.
“When I crashed, for a second I thought it was all over,” Pogacar admitted after the race. “To crash just before the most important part of the race is not ideal. But I was luckily back on the bike and not too much damage to me or the bike, just a little bit.” His words underscore the precarious nature of cycling and the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Pogacar’s career, adding the Milan-San Remo title to his impressive palmarès, which includes two Tour de France victories and multiple World Championship titles. The win also demonstrates his versatility as a rider, proving his ability to excel in both stage races and one-day classics.
The Milan-San Remo is a race steeped in history, and Pogacar’s triumph adds another compelling chapter to its storied legacy. The race’s challenging course, unpredictable weather, and demanding climbs make it one of the most prestigious and coveted victories in professional cycling. For Pogacar, it represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination.
The result also highlights the crucial role of team support in cycling. UAE Team Emirates XRG provided Pogacar with the necessary assistance to overcome the challenges he faced, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and strategic planning in achieving success.
Looking ahead, Pogacar will likely focus on preparing for the upcoming spring classics and the Tour de France, where he will aim to add to his already impressive collection of titles. His victory in Milan-San Remo serves as a powerful statement of intent, signaling his readiness to compete for the top honors in the sport’s most prestigious events.
The cycling world now awaits Pogacar’s next challenge, eager to witness his continued dominance and unwavering pursuit of excellence. His performance in Sanremo serves as a testament to his exceptional talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Pogacar is scheduled to compete in the Volta a Catalunya next, starting March 22nd. Fans can follow updates and results on the UAE Team Emirates XRG website and through official race broadcasts.
