🚴‍♂️ Tadej Pogacar’s Quest for the Elusive Milano–Sanremo Victory: Why This Cycling Titan Keeps Falling Short
At just 27, Tadej Pogacar’s trophy cabinet is already brimming with accolades—multiple Tour de France wins, a World Championship title, and more. Yet, there’s one glaring absence: the prestigious Milano–Sanremo. But here’s where it gets intriguing: despite his dominance in other races, this Italian Monument has proven to be his white whale. Why? Let’s dive in.
Milano–Sanremo, famed for its grueling climbs like the Cipressa and the Poggio, is a race that demands more than sheer power. Its relatively forgiving route often allows sprinters to survive until the end, neutralizing Pogacar’s explosive strength. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about how hard he can pedal, but how smart he can race. As former winner Vincenzo Nibali points out, Pogacar needs to embrace a more tactical approach if he’s ever going to conquer this race. Source: Vincenzo Nibali’s insights
In recent years, Pogacar has come agonizingly close, finishing in the top five for the past four editions, including two third-place finishes. In 2025, he tried to break away on both the Poggio and the Cipressa, launching blistering attacks after a strong team lead-out. Yet, rivals like Mathieu van der Poel and Filippo Ganna matched his moves, leaving him to settle for a near miss in the final sprint. Controversial take: Could it be that Pogacar’s all-or-nothing style is actually his downfall in this race? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Undeterred, Pogacar is doubling down for 2026. He recently spent a day meticulously reconnoitering the finale, pushing himself to the limit on the Poggio climb to fine-tune his strategy. Watch his training effort here. Will this dedication finally pay off? We’ll find out on March 21, when Milano–Sanremo marks just his second race of the season, following the Strade Bianche on March 7. And beyond Sanremo, Pogacar has another Monument in his sights: Paris-Roubaix, another race yet to grace his palmarès.
Thought-provoking question: Is Pogacar’s relentless focus on Milano–Sanremo a sign of brilliance or obsession? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a debate!
