Pogačar puts in brave display on the Poggio

Tadej Pogačar put in a trademark attacking display to take 4th place at the first major one-day classic ‘Monument’ of the year, Milano-San Remo.

Despite a small tumble in the neutral zone, Pogačar quickly remounted and resumed the race with just a few scuffs and proceeded with the 294km to San Remo is sunny conditions.

The temperature rose on the entry to the penultimate climb of the day, La Cipressa, at -30km and it was over the crest of the climb that UAE Team Emirates took control of the front of the race.

With the breakaway of the day brought back, Tim Wellens launched a furious attack at -9km with Pogačar close on his wheel in the lower slopes of the Poggio.

 
Pogačar then made his move with Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) responding with a counter-attack which left Pogačar chasing in an elite group of favourites including Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and Filippo Ganna (Ineos-Grenadiers).

 
The chasing trio collaborated well but were unable to reel back Van Der Poel who took a solo victory, with Pogačar coming home in 4th place, one place more than his 5th spot in 2022.

Pogačar : “No regrets today. I had one goal and that was to attack after Tim Wellens’ big effort on the Poggio. Him and the guys did a perfect job to set up the attack. I wasn’t strong enough to go solo and then Van Der Poel made his big attack and opened a big gap quickly. I was pretty dead by the finish. My result was the best I could do today. I have high hopes for the coming years at this race.”

 
Milano-San Remo results

1.Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 6:25:23
2.Filippo Ganna (Ineos-Grenadiers) +15”
3.Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) s.t
4.Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) s.t