Pogacar Conquers Milan-San Remo, Completes Monument Set All But One
San Remo, Italy – Tadej Pogacar finally claimed victory at Milan-San Remo on Saturday, March 21st, overcoming a mid-race crash to edge out Britain’s Tom Pidcock in a thrilling sprint finish. The win marks a monumental achievement for the Slovenian superstar, adding the prestigious Italian classic to a palmarès already brimming with cycling’s most coveted prizes. The race, a grueling 298-kilometer test of endurance and tactical prowess, saw Pogacar and Pidcock emerge as the strongest contenders on the final ascent of the Poggio, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown on the Via Roma.
A Race Marked by Resilience
Pogacar, 27, had finished third in the previous two editions of Milan-San Remo, making this victory particularly sweet. His pursuit of the title was momentarily threatened when he crashed with 32 kilometers remaining, but he demonstrated remarkable resilience to rejoin the front of the race. “For a second I thought it was all over but luckily I was quickly back on the bike,” Pogacar said, as reported by the BBC. The crash underscored the unpredictable nature of the race, a hallmark of the event’s storied history.
The decisive move came with 22 kilometers to go, when Pogacar launched an attack that only Pidcock and, initially, Mathieu van der Poel could match. Van der Poel, the defending champion, ultimately faded on the Poggio, leaving Pogacar and Pidcock to battle for the win. The two riders descended the Poggio together, setting up a head-to-head sprint that came down to the narrowest of margins – half a wheel separating the victor from the runner-up.
A Fourth Monument for Pogacar
With this victory, Pogacar has now won four of cycling’s five “Monuments” – the most prestigious one-day races in the sport. He previously triumphed at the Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour of Lombardie. Only Paris-Roubaix remains on his list of objectives, a race he will target next month. The win moves Pogacar level with Roger de Vlaeminck on 11 Monument victories, trailing only the legendary Eddy Merckx, who holds the record with 19.
The significance of this win extends beyond the sheer number of victories. Pogacar has openly stated that Milan-San Remo held a special importance for him, even surpassing his ambitions for further Tour de France titles. This dedication and focus were evident in his relentless pursuit of the win, even after suffering a setback mid-race.
Kopecky Claims Victory in Women’s Race
Earlier in the day, Lotte Kopecky of Belgium secured a commanding victory in the women’s Milan-San Remo, winning a four-up sprint finish. Kopecky’s win adds another prestigious title to her impressive resume, which includes two World Championship titles, three Tour of Flanders wins, and a Paris-Roubaix victory in 2024. She finished ahead of Swiss rider Noemi Rüegg and Italian Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini. The women’s race was similarly marred by a crash on the descent of the Cipressa climb, highlighting the inherent risks of professional cycling.
Pidcock Reflects on a Close Call
Tom Pidcock, despite finishing second, expressed pride in his performance, acknowledging the strength of his rival. “I can’t help but be disappointed, it was so close,” Pidcock told Cyclingnews. “You can’t pass on opportunities in this sport… But when I capture a wider perspective, I can be super proud. I mean, I’m the only one to stay with Tadej. Tadej is Tadej.” Pidcock’s ability to stay with Pogacar on the Poggio underscored his own growing stature as a force in one-day racing.
The close finish and the competitive spirit displayed by both riders served as a testament to the high level of competition in professional cycling. Pogacar’s victory, however, solidifies his position as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation, a rider capable of excelling in both stage races and one-day classics.
What’s Next for Pogacar?
Pogacar will now turn his attention to Paris-Roubaix, the final Monument remaining on his list. The notoriously challenging race, known for its cobblestone sections, will present a different set of challenges, but Pogacar’s versatility and determination suggest he will be a strong contender. The race is scheduled for next month, and cycling fans eagerly await to see if Pogacar can complete his collection of Monument victories.
The 2026 Milan-San Remo will be remembered as a classic edition, a race defined by resilience, tactical brilliance, and a thrilling sprint finish. Pogacar’s victory marks a significant milestone in his career, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the cycling season, including updates on Pogacar’s pursuit of Paris-Roubaix and the ongoing battles on the WorldTour.
Related reading
