Sanremo, Italy – Wout van Aert of Visma-Lease a Bike secured a hard-fought third-place finish at the 117th edition of Milan-San Remo on Saturday, battling back from a late crash that threatened to derail his race. The result marks his fourth career podium finish at the prestigious Italian classic, a race ultimately won by Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The dramatic finale saw a crash involving Pogačar, van Aert, and Matteo Jorgenson with 32 kilometers remaining. While Pogačar quickly regained contact and ultimately claimed victory, van Aert faced a more challenging recovery, needing a bike change after the incident just 6km short of the Cipressa climb. Despite the setback, the Belgian champion demonstrated remarkable resilience, launching a series of attacks to rejoin the front of the race.
“My legs were very good. Unfortunately, I had to use them in the chase,” van Aert said after the finish to Sporza, reflecting on the energy expended to secure back into contention. The effort proved worthwhile as he positioned himself for a late sprint, ultimately securing the final spot on the podium.
The crash occurred at a critical juncture in the race, disrupting the plans of several key contenders. Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) too crashed in the same incident, but an injured hand hampered his ability to maintain pace with Pogačar and van Aert on the Poggio, the final climb before the finish in Sanremo.
Van Aert’s comeback was a testament to his determination and the support of his Visma-Lease a Bike team. He praised his teammates for their efforts in helping him chase back to the peloton. “We fought back well as a team and kept believing in a strong result,” he stated in a team press release. The team’s quick response in providing a replacement bike was also crucial to his recovery.
While van Aert expressed satisfaction with his podium finish, he acknowledged a tinge of regret at not being able to challenge Pogačar for the win. “It’s a shame I couldn’t fight for the victory, but that’s how it goes,” he said. “I kept pushing after the crash and gave it everything I could. To still finish third in the end is, of course, very satisfying.”
The race itself unfolded as a classic Milan-San Remo, with a series of attacks and counter-attacks throughout the day. The Cipressa and Poggio climbs proved to be the decisive points, as they often do, separating the contenders from the pretenders. Pogačar’s winning move came on the descent of the Poggio, where he opened up a gap that he was able to maintain all the way to the finish line.
This year’s edition of Milan-San Remo was particularly notable for the dramatic crash that impacted several of the race favorites. The incident underscored the unpredictable nature of cycling and the importance of both physical strength and tactical awareness. The ability to recover from adversity, as demonstrated by both Pogačar and van Aert, proved to be a key factor in determining the final outcome.
Sarah, van Aert’s wife, echoed the sentiment of pride in her husband’s performance, stating to HLN, “I reckon that It’s a confirmation of the form that he has.” This sentiment highlights the consistent level of performance van Aert has been demonstrating leading up to and during the early season classics.
Van Aert entered the race with ambition, as noted by Team Visma-Lease a Bike, aiming for a victory in the first monument of the season. While the win eluded him, his podium finish solidifies his position as one of the top cyclists in the world and a consistent threat in the biggest races.
The Belgian rider had previously stated he had done everything possible to be ready for San Remo, as reported by wielerflits.be, emphasizing his dedication and preparation for the event. This commitment was evident in his relentless pursuit after the crash and his strong performance in the closing stages of the race.
Looking ahead, van Aert will likely focus on the upcoming spring classics, aiming to build on his strong form and challenge for more victories. His performance at Milan-San Remo serves as a clear indication that he is a force to be reckoned with in the weeks to come.
The next major objective for Wout van Aert and the Visma-Lease a Bike team will be the E3 Classic on March 27th, followed by the Tour of Flanders on March 31st. These races will provide further opportunities for van Aert to showcase his talent and compete for more prestigious titles.
Milan-San Remo remains a challenging and unpredictable race, and this year’s edition was no exception. The combination of a demanding course, a competitive field, and a dramatic crash made for a thrilling spectacle that captivated cycling fans around the world.
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