The only classic in cycling that the super champion has not been able to claim: why Pogacar has never won the Milan-San Remo

The 117th Milano-Sanremo, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026, is set to be one of the most intense and spectacular chapters in the recent history of cycling. With its nearly 298 kilometers, the Classicissima reaffirms its status as the longest Monument, thanks to the departure from Pavia.

The route passes through Casteggio, Voghera, and Salice Terme before heading towards the Passo del Turchino, gradually draining precious energy.

The central plot revolves around the rivalry between Tadej Pogačar, who has incredibly never won it until now, and Mathieu van der Poel. In 2025, the Dutchman triumphed on Via Roma in a tight sprint ahead of the Slovenian and Filippo Ganna, demonstrating that pure superiority in climbing is not always enough against his extraordinary sense of positioning and ability to launch an attack downhill.

To avoid a similar ending, Pogačar's UAE Team Emirates-XRG has been partially renewed: the goal is to stiffen the pace already on the Cipressa, trying to isolate the sprinters and deprive Van der Poel of crucial teammates.

Indeed, the Cipressa has returned to being the tactical junction par excellence: riders often enter at 60 km/h, and it is there that the crucial reserves are consumed. The Dutchman himself has clearly stated that, “without a perfect physical condition at 100%, he will not be able to resist” Pogačar's attacks.

After the selection made on the Cipressa, the peak of competitive tension will shift to the Poggio. It is not the steepest climb, but it is certainly the most ruthless: entry speed, brutal acceleration at the summit, and courage to dive downhill without hesitation are what matter. The unwritten rule of the Classicissima is clear: whoever crosses the Poggio among the top three already has half a victory in hand.

However, reducing everything to a duel would be shortsighted. Filippo Ganna, who in 2025 managed to withstand the razor-sharp attacks on the Poggio and sprint for victory, remains a reference point in case of a reduced group finish. Also very dangerous is the Danish Mads Pedersen: his mix of endurance as a rouleur and sprinting power can become lethal at 60 km/h, as long as he does not lose crucial tenths at the top of the Poggio. And watch out for the “attackers”, ready to ambush in the flat section between the Cipressa and the entrance to the Poggio.

The spring on two wheels will be decided in a ruthless chess match spanning 300 kilometers, where the overflowing generosity of Pogačar will challenge the art of subtraction of Van der Poel, in a confrontation with no margin for error.