Van der Poel and Pogacar Set for Showdown at Milan-San Remo
San Remo, Italy – All eyes will be on the peloton this Saturday, March 21st, as the world’s best cyclists compete in Milan-San Remo, the first of cycling’s prestigious “Monuments.” Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel will face a formidable challenge from Tadej Pogacar, and a host of other contenders, in a race renowned for its unpredictable nature and grueling distance. The 298km course, stretching from Milan to San Remo, consistently tests riders’ endurance and tactical acumen.
The Rematch: Van der Poel Eyes a Historic Victory
Mathieu van der Poel secured a memorable victory at Milan-San Remo in 2025, edging out Filippo Ganna and Pogacar in a thrilling sprint finish. That win marked a significant milestone, as it ended a long streak of different winners in the race – prior to 2025, no rider had won Milan-San Remo twice since 2008. Van der Poel is aiming to become the first rider to win the race in consecutive years since 2008, a feat that would further cement his legacy in the sport. He acknowledges the challenge, stating that even a slight dip in form could allow Pogacar to capitalize.
“Milan-San Remo is a race I’d like to win,” Van der Poel told VTM Nieuws. “I think it suits me well, but it also suits a lot of other top guys. I see it as a good challenge.” He also recognizes the looming threat posed by Pogacar, adding, “Last year, he was very close. If my performance drops by even one percent, he will get away on the Cipressa. It’s only a matter of time before he wins this race.”
Pogacar’s Pursuit: A Determined Challenger
Tadej Pogacar, a four-time Tour de France winner, is determined to finally conquer Milan-San Remo. He’s arriving with a strong team, including Isaac Del Toro, Brandon McNulty, Jan Christen, and Florian Vermeersch, signaling a concerted effort to control the race and set up Pogacar for a decisive attack. Pogacar’s aggressive tactics, including early attacks on climbs like the Cipressa, have shaken up the traditional playbook for La Primavera, forcing rivals to respond earlier than expected.
The Slovenian’s strategy hinges on exploiting any weakness in his opponents, and he’s clearly identified Van der Poel as the key rider to overcome. The 2025 edition saw Van der Poel and Ganna successfully respond to Pogacar’s aggressive moves on the Cipressa, ultimately joining him in a three-rider sprint for the finish. Pogacar will undoubtedly be looking for ways to disrupt that dynamic this year.
The Course and Key Sections
Milan-San Remo is often described as a “sprinter’s classic,” but its challenging course and late climbs develop it a race for all-rounders. The route features a series of rolling hills and three significant climbs – the Colle di Turchino, the Tre Capi, and the Cipressa – before culminating in a final ascent of the Poggio.
The Cipressa, located approximately 30 kilometers from the finish, is often the launchpad for decisive attacks. It’s a relatively short but steep climb that can string out the peloton and create opportunities for strong riders to break away. The Poggio, a steeper and more challenging climb just 10 kilometers from the finish, is the last major obstacle before the sprint to the line in San Remo. Tactical positioning and energy conservation are crucial in the final kilometers.
How to Watch Milan-San Remo
Cycling fans can tune in to watch Milan-San Remo this Saturday, March 21st, on Eurosport 2. Coverage begins from 10:00 to 12:30, and then resumes from 14:30 onwards. The race is expected to finish around 5:30 PM CET (Central European Time), which translates to 11:30 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time) for viewers in the United States and Canada.
For those seeking live updates and race commentary, Cyclingnews.com ([https://www.cyclingnews.com/](https://www.cyclingnews.com/)) will provide comprehensive coverage throughout the day. VeloNews ([https://velo.outsideonline.com/](https://velo.outsideonline.com/)) is also expected to offer in-depth analysis and reporting.
What to Watch For
Beyond the duel between Van der Poel and Pogacar, several other factors could influence the outcome of Milan-San Remo. The strength of the supporting teams, the weather conditions, and any unexpected mechanical issues or crashes could all play a role. Keep an eye on riders like Filippo Ganna, who finished second in 2025 and is capable of a strong performance, and the other members of Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates squad, who will be tasked with controlling the race and protecting their leader.
The tactical battle between the teams will be fascinating to watch. Will Pogacar launch an early attack on the Cipressa, or will he wait for the Poggio to make his move? Will Van der Poel be able to respond to Pogacar’s attacks, or will he rely on his sprinting prowess to win the race? These are just some of the questions that will be answered on Saturday.
Following Milan-San Remo, Pogacar will likely turn his attention to other spring classics, including the E3 Saxo Classic and Paris-Roubaix. Van der Poel is also expected to compete in these races, setting the stage for a thrilling rivalry throughout the spring cycling season.
