Pogacar Wins Milan-San Remo After Dramatic Crash and Intense Sprint
Tadej Pogačar secured his first Milan-San Remo title on Saturday, March 21, 2026, after a remarkable recovery from a crash and a thrilling sprint finish against Tom Pidcock. The victory marks the 117th edition of the classic race and adds another Monument to Pogačar’s impressive palmarès.
A Race of Resilience
The world champion’s triumph wasn’t without adversity. Pogačar crashed just kilometers before the crucial Cipressa climb, a pivotal point in the race strategy. Despite the fall and visible injuries, he demonstrated incredible resilience, aided by his UAE Team Emirates teammates, particularly Brandon McNulty and Isaac Del Toro, who worked tirelessly to bring him back to the front of the peloton.
The Cipressa and Poggio Showdown
The Cipressa and Poggio climbs, the defining features of the Milan-San Remo finale, once again proved decisive. Pogačar launched a series of attacks, initially distancing Mathieu van der Poel and forcing Pidcock to respond. A strong effort from Trek’s Mathias Vacek narrowed the gap before the Poggio, but Pogačar continued to press the pace.
A Photo-Finish Sprint
On the Poggio, Pogačar attacked again, dropping van der Poel and riding alongside Pidcock. The pair entered the final kilometers together, setting up a tense sprint finish on the Via Roma. Pogačar ultimately edged out Pidcock by half a bike length to claim victory.
Van Aert’s Strong Finish
Wout Van Aert launched a late solo attack, finishing four seconds behind Pogačar and Pidcock to secure a place on the podium.
Pogačar’s Monument Collection
With this win, Pogačar has now won four of the five Monument classics. He is the fifth rider to achieve the Strade Bianche-Milan-San Remo double, following Fabian Cancellara (2008), Michal Kwiatkowski (2017), Julian Alaphilippe (2019), and Wout van Aert (2020). This is Pogačar’s 11th Monument victory.
Looking Ahead
Pogačar has indicated he may not return to Milan-San Remo, stating, “If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia.” His focus now shifts to Paris-Roubaix and the Vuelta a España, races he has yet to win. His dominance in cycling continues, and his pursuit of cycling’s greatest achievements remains a captivating story.