Milan-Sanremo, known as one of the most unpredictable and difficult Monuments in professional cycling, is set for another thrilling edition. The 2024 race promises intense battles, daring attacks, and tactical brilliance, with a host of contenders lining up for glory. Among them is Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning champion who stunned the cycling world last year with a sensational victory. As he looks ahead to this year’s race, the Dutchman is confident but realistic about the challenges that lie ahead, especially with Tadej Pogacar breathing down his neck once again.
Van der Poel’s Road to Sanremo
Mathieu van der Poel is no stranger to triumph on the grandest stages. His Milan-Sanremo victory in 2023 was a masterclass in timing and endurance, cementing his status as one of cycling’s most versatile talents. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider executed a perfectly timed attack on the Poggio, outfoxing the likes of Pogacar, Wout van Aert, and Filippo Ganna. He then powered down into Sanremo, holding off the chasers to claim a solo win.
This year, he returns with renewed ambition, but his path to victory may be more complex. His teammate and sprint powerhouse Jasper Philipsen, who was expected to be a key card for Alpecin-Deceuninck, suffered a crash that leaves Van der Poel as the team’s undisputed leader. While the Dutchman thrives in such a role, he acknowledges the increased pressure and the unpredictability of the race.
“It Will Be Difficult to Stay Up Front” – Van der Poel Speaks
Speaking ahead of the race, Van der Poel admitted that Milan-Sanremo is never an easy race to control. “It’s a race where anything can happen. You have to be in top shape, have the right tactics, and still hope for a bit of luck,” he said. “Last year, I managed to time my attack perfectly, but that doesn’t mean it will work the same way again. Pogacar, Van Aert, and the others will be watching closely. It will be difficult to stay up front, but I believe I can outsmart them again.”
The Dutch rider knows that Pogacar, in particular, will be a major threat. The Slovenian superstar has proven time and time again that he can dominate in both stage races and one-day classics. Last year, Pogacar tried to break the race open on the Cipressa and Poggio climbs, but Van der Poel had the perfect response. This year, he expects an even more aggressive Pogacar.
The Unpredictability of Milan-Sanremo
La Primavera, as Milan-Sanremo is affectionately known, is the longest one-day race on the professional calendar, stretching over 290 kilometers. While the terrain is not as brutal as some other Monuments, the race’s unpredictability makes it one of the hardest to win. Unlike Paris-Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders, where only a handful of specialists are expected to contend, Milan-Sanremo allows a wide range of riders to dream of victory.
Sprinters, puncheurs, and even climbers all have a chance, depending on how the race unfolds. Some years, it ends in a reduced bunch sprint; other times, a solo attacker seizes the day. This wide-open nature of the race is why so many contenders line up with hopes of winning.
Van der Poel understands this unpredictability better than most. “It’s a race where many different scenarios can play out. You have to be ready for anything,” he noted. “A late solo attack? A reduced sprint? A surprise move on the Cipressa? All of these are possibilities.”
Pogacar’s Revenge?
One of the biggest talking points ahead of Milan-Sanremo is how Pogacar will approach the race. The UAE Team Emirates leader was left frustrated last year when his attacks on the climbs failed to break his rivals. He is expected to be even more aggressive this time around.
“I have no doubt that Pogacar will try something big again,” Van der Poel said. “He’s one of the strongest riders in the world, and he has the ability to attack from far out. We saw what he did at Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. He won’t wait for a sprint, that’s for sure.”
If Pogacar does launch an early attack, Van der Poel will have to decide whether to follow immediately or wait for a counterattack. Last year, he timed his move perfectly, allowing Pogacar to soften up the field before launching his decisive acceleration on the Poggio. A similar strategy could work again, but it’s a high-risk game.
Other Contenders to Watch
While the battle between Van der Poel and Pogacar is one of the race’s key narratives, they are far from the only contenders. Wout van Aert, a former Milan-Sanremo winner, has the power and endurance to challenge for victory. If the race comes down to a reduced sprint, he will be one of the top favorites.
Mads Pedersen and Arnaud De Lie are also riders to watch. Pedersen has shown exceptional form this season and has the sprinting ability to win from a small group. De Lie, the young Belgian sensation, has been touted as a future Monument winner and could spring a surprise.
Julian Alaphilippe, a two-time world champion, knows how to win here and could benefit from an aggressive race. Filippo Ganna, who finished second last year, will be looking to improve on that result, while Caleb Ewan remains a dark horse if the race ends in a bunch sprint.
Final Thoughts: Can Van der Poel Outsmart Them Again?
As the cycling world turns its attention to Milan-Sanremo, all eyes will be on Van der Poel and whether he can repeat his 2023 heroics. He has the experience, the tactical intelligence, and the sheer power to win, but as he rightly said, “It will be difficult to stay up front.”
With Pogacar plotting his revenge, Van Aert seeking redemption, and a host of hungry contenders ready to pounce, La Primavera is set to deliver another unforgettable spectacle. For Van der Poel, the challenge is clear: outthink, outmaneuver, and outpower his rivals once more. If he can do that, he may just find himself lifting his arms in victory again on the Via Roma.
