Van der Poel Eyes San Remo Repeat, Acknowledges Pogačar Challenge

Mathieu van der Poel is aiming to replicate his 2025 Milan-San Remo victory and secure his third win on the Via Roma, but recognizes that each edition of the Italian Classic presents a unique set of challenges. The 298km race is defined by its unpredictable nature, influenced by route conditions, weather, and evolving team strategies, ensuring a new chapter in cycling history is written each year.

While Eddy Merckx holds the record for Milan-San Remo wins with seven titles, the race has seen a shift in recent decades. Since 2008, no rider had achieved back-to-back victories until Van der Poel’s success in 2025 Domestique Cycling.

A Look Back at Van der Poel’s Recent Successes

Van der Poel’s recent performances in Milan-San Remo have been varied. In 2023, he surged ahead on the Poggio to win solo. In 2024, he supported teammate Jasper Philipsen, working within the peloton for a sprint finish. His 2025 victory saw him respond to attacks alongside Filippo Ganna on the Cipressa, ultimately winning a three-rider sprint.

“For sure it was one of the more spectacular wins of my career,” Van der Poel said after the team presentation in Pavia. “Going away on the Cipressa is not something that happens very often, so it was very cool to be part of the three-rider leading group.”

Challenges and Conditions for 2026

Despite his confidence, Van der Poel acknowledges that repeating his success won’t be easy. “I wish it was that easy,” he stated. “Last year, the conditions were perfect with the tailwind. It’s not going to be perfect like that every year.” He feels prepared, having honed his form at Tirreno-Adriatico.

Van der Poel’s strengths lie in his racecraft, ability to navigate the peloton, and his finishing sprint. He is well-equipped to handle attacks on the Cipressa and Poggio, even those launched by Tadej Pogačar.

Pogačar as a Formidable Rival

Van der Poel recognizes the growing threat posed by Tadej Pogačar. “I think it’s just a matter of time before Tadej wins it,” he said. “I don’t think Tadej needs to attack on the Cipressa. he could win it on the Poggio or even in a sprint after a hard race. Everyone knows how good and strong he is as a rider. Like always, it’s just up to us to try to follow him when he attacks and do what we can.” Cyclingnews

Eddy Merckx has advised Pogačar to attack on the Poggio, rather than the Cipressa, if he wants to maximize his chances of victory Cyclingnews.

Milan-San Remo remains a tactically complex race, often decided by timing rather than pure power IDL Pro Cycling.