Pogacar Defies Crash to Claim Milan-San Remo Victory
San Remo, Italy – Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG has etched his name into the history books, winning the 2026 Milan-San Remo despite a frightening crash just 33 kilometers from the finish line. The Slovenian champion overcame the incident to out-sprint Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) on the Via Roma, securing his 11th Monument victory and leaving only Paris-Roubaix unconquered in his impressive palmarès. The race, a grueling 298km from Pavia to San Remo, proved once again why it’s known as “La Primavera,” the Spring Classic.
A Moment of Doubt, a Testament to Resilience
Pogacar’s victory wasn’t without drama. A significant crash on the approach to the Cipressa, a key climb in the final kilometers, threatened to derail his chances. “When I fell, for a second I thought it was over,” Pogacar admitted after the race. “Falling right before the most important part of the race isn’t ideal. Luckily, I managed to get back on the bike quickly and didn’t have too much damage to myself or the bike.”
The incident wasn’t isolated. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) was likewise involved in the crash, sustaining a hand injury. Van der Poel finished eighth, four seconds off the pace. “I wasn’t really in the crash,” Van der Poel explained. “I was going to the right, but a bike came into my path, and I couldn’t avoid it. It’s mostly my hand that hurts. Tadej also crashed, but he was really strong.”
Teamwork and Determination
Pogacar credited his UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad for their unwavering support in the aftermath of the crash. “I saw my team, and they gave everything to bring me back to the front. They gave me hope. Without the team today, I wouldn’t have gone right towards the Cipressa, but straight to the finish (laughs).” The team’s efforts proved crucial, allowing Pogacar to rejoin the front of the race and contend for the win.
A Two-Man Battle on the Poggio
As the race progressed towards the final climb, the Poggio di San Remo, Pogacar demonstrated his strength, distancing himself from Van der Poel. He then found himself locked in a fierce battle with Tom Pidcock. “There was a more favorable wind than last year on the Poggio, so I gave it everything,” Pogacar said. “Ideally, I would have liked to go solo, but Tom was really strong. I was lucky in the sprint; Tom is very prompt. He has a lot of punch and is in great form. I was a little scared when he gave me the first position, but I knew I couldn’t wait too long. It was very close.”
Van Aert Completes the Podium
While Pogacar and Pidcock battled for the win, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) launched a powerful attack from the peloton in the final kilometer, securing third place, just four seconds behind the leaders. Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) finished fourth, followed by Corbin Strong (NSN) in fifth.
Race Dynamics and Early Attacks
The 2026 Milan-San Remo saw an early breakaway featuring Alexy Faure Prost, Martin Marcellusi, Manuele Tarozzi, Manlio Moro, Andrea Peron, David Lozano, Dario Igor Belletta, Mirco Maestri, and Lorenzo Milesi. The group established a lead of up to seven minutes before being reeled in by the peloton, with UAE Team Emirates playing a key role in the chase. The race remained largely intact until the incident-filled approach to the Cipressa.
Pogacar’s Growing Monument Count
This victory marks Pogacar’s 11th Monument win, further solidifying his place among the greatest cyclists of all time. He has now conquered Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and the Giro di Lombardia multiple times. Paris-Roubaix remains the only Monument eluding his grasp, a challenge he will undoubtedly pursue in future seasons.
What’s Next for Pogacar?
With Milan-San Remo now in the books, Pogacar will likely turn his attention to the upcoming stage races and Grand Tours. His next major objective is expected to be defending his title at the Tour de France, where he will face stiff competition from rivals like Van der Poel and Van Aert. The cycling world will be watching closely to see if Pogacar can continue his dominance throughout the season.
The 2026 Milan-San Remo will be remembered as a race of resilience, teamwork, and thrilling competition. Pogacar’s victory, achieved despite a significant setback, is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.
