Tadej Pogacar, the young and already accomplished Slovenian cyclist, is setting his sights on a prestigious victory at Milano–Sanremo, a race that has so far eluded him. Despite his multiple world championship titles and Tour de France triumph, Pogacar's palmarès is notably missing a win at this iconic Italian Monument.
The race's renowned climbs, including the Cipressa and the Poggio, present a formidable challenge for Pogacar. His brute strength, while impressive, has not been enough to secure victory in the past. In the last four editions, he consistently finished in the top five, including two third-place results, but fell short of the ultimate win.
According to former winner Vincenzo Nibali, Pogacar must adopt a more tactical approach to succeed. He must not only rely on his physical prowess but also be willing to make strategic decisions during the race. In 2025, Pogacar attempted a bold move, launching an attack on the Poggio and earlier on the Cipressa, but his efforts were matched by Mathieu van der Poel and Filippo Ganna, resulting in a close final sprint finish.
Undeterred, Pogacar is determined to turn the tide in 2026. He spent a day riding the final stretch of the race, pushing himself to the limit on the Poggio climb, to refine his strategy and gain a deeper understanding of the course. This meticulous preparation is a testament to his dedication and ambition.
As Pogacar gears up for Milano–Sanremo, he will also be competing in the Strade Bianche on March 7, followed by the cobbled Classics. Beyond this race, he has his sights set on Paris-Roubaix, another Monument that would further enhance his already impressive palmarès.
