San Remo, Italy – Tadej Pogacar has conquered one of cycling’s most elusive prizes, winning the 2026 Milan-San Remo on Saturday after a dramatic race that included a crash just 33 kilometers from the finish. But the victory, a long-held ambition for the Slovenian superstar, may mark his last appearance in the “Primavera.” Pogacar, already a four-time Tour de France champion, has now secured his 11th career Monument win, leaving only Paris-Roubaix as the remaining major classic on his palmarès.
The 27-year-old’s triumph wasn’t without adversity. A crash with roughly 20 miles remaining forced Pogacar to fight his way back to the peloton, a testament to his resilience and the strength of his UAE Emirates-XRG team. He ultimately prevailed in a thrilling sprint finish against Tom Pidcock, holding on by half a wheel after the two riders had distanced themselves from the rest of the field on the final climb, the Poggio.
A Long Pursuit Reaches Its End
Milan-San Remo has long been considered a particularly challenging race for Pogacar, with previous attempts resulting in top-five finishes but no victories. He’s invested significant time and effort into understanding the nuances of the course, frequently training in the San Remo region. “It’s a big relief to finally win,” Pogacar said, as reported by Cyclingnews. “I’ve spent many years training here and it will be something I miss.”
The demanding nature of preparing for Milan-San Remo, both physically and mentally, appears to have taken its toll. Pogacar jokingly suggested he might only return to San Remo in the future for one purpose: to enjoy the local cuisine. “If I approach back to San Remo, it will only be to eat focaccia,” he quipped, a sentiment echoed by Pidcock after the race. This lighthearted remark hints at a potential end to Pogacar’s participation in the iconic Italian classic.
The Mental Toll of the Primavera
Pogacar emphasized the mental strain of consistently training for a race as unpredictable as Milan-San Remo. “Now I can stop going to San Remo every week, or even twice a week, to train,” he explained. “It’s really difficult mentally to go and train in San Remo all winter. This race demands a lot of effort, including mentally. It’s one of the most unpredictable races I’ve ever ridden. I think it’s one of the most unpredictable races in the world.”
The race’s unpredictable nature stems from its length – nearly 300 kilometers – and the variety of terrain, including challenging climbs and fast descents. The Cipressa and the Poggio, the final two climbs, often serve as the launchpad for decisive attacks, but even the most carefully laid plans can be disrupted by crashes, tactical maneuvers, or simply the sheer fatigue of the distance. Pogacar’s crash on Saturday underscored this point, forcing him to expend considerable energy just to rejoin the race.
What’s Next for Pogacar? Paris-Roubaix Looms
With Milan-San Remo finally checked off his list, Pogacar’s attention now turns to the next major challenge: Paris-Roubaix. The “Queen of the Classics,” known for its brutal cobblestone sectors, represents the final Monument missing from his impressive collection. He’s already begun preparations for the race, acknowledging the unique demands it will place on him and his team.
Pogacar’s victory at Milan-San Remo places him in an elite group of cyclists who have conquered multiple Monuments. Lotte Kopecky also secured a significant win on Saturday, taking the women’s Milan-San Remo title in a four-up sprint. Like Pogacar, Kopecky boasts an impressive palmarès, including three Tour of Flanders wins, two Strade Bianche titles, and a Paris-Roubaix victory in 2024.
The win solidifies Pogacar’s position as one of the dominant forces in professional cycling. His ability to overcome adversity, combined with his tactical acumen and raw power, makes him a formidable competitor in any race. Whether he chooses to return to San Remo for the focaccia or focuses solely on new challenges, Pogacar’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
Pogacar will now look to continue his impressive form as he prepares for Paris-Roubaix next month. The race, scheduled for April 12th, will present a different set of challenges, requiring a different skillset and a different approach. Fans will be eager to see if Pogacar can complete his collection of Monuments and cement his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
