Van Der Poel Defeats Pogacar In Milan-San Remo: A Stunning Repeat Win

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

4.8

Share

Van der Poel's Dominant Race Strategy

Van der Poel's victory wasn't a matter of luck; it was a testament to his exceptional race strategy and tactical prowess. His approach throughout the race showcased his understanding of the course and his competitors. He meticulously conserved energy, avoiding unnecessary bursts of speed, and strategically positioning himself for optimal advantage during the crucial climbs.

• Successful Positioning During Crucial Climbs: Van der Poel expertly navigated the challenging ascents of the Cipressa and the Poggio, consistently maintaining a position that allowed him to conserve energy while remaining in contention with the leading pack. He cleverly avoided being trapped in early attacks, saving his energy for the final sprint.

• Strategic Attacks and Counter-attacks: He didn't lead the charge throughout the race but instead responded to attacks with calculated counter-attacks, ensuring he was always within striking distance of the lead group. This prevented his rivals from gaining a decisive advantage.

• Effective Pacing and Energy Management: Van der Poel's masterful pacing was perhaps his greatest asset. He understood the demands of the Milan-San Remo course and controlled his energy expenditure perfectly, ensuring he had enough in the tank for a powerful final sprint. This strategic energy management proved decisive in the closing kilometers.

• Pivotal Moments: His controlled response to Pogacar’s late attacks on the Poggio, followed by a perfectly-timed acceleration in the final 2km, showcased his race intelligence and tactical mastery. His awareness of the terrain and his competitors' strengths was clearly the key to his success.

Pogacar's Strong Challenge and Near Miss

Tadej Pogacar, known for his explosive power, presented a formidable challenge to van der Poel throughout the race. Pogacar demonstrated his incredible climbing ability and aggressive racing style. While he ultimately fell short of victory, his performance highlighted his strength as a Milan-San Remo contender.

• Pogacar’s Strong Finish in the Final Kilometers: Pogacar’s late surge in the closing kilometers was breathtaking, showcasing his exceptional sprinting power. He pushed van der Poel to the absolute limit, making the final outcome incredibly close.

• Tactical Considerations: While Pogacar's late attack on the Poggio showed his ambition, a slightly earlier attempt to distance himself may have yielded different results. The aggressive nature of his strategy, while impressive, possibly left him with less energy for the final sprint against a tactically superior opponent.

• Sprint Performance Comparison: While both delivered exceptional sprints, van der Poel’s superior positioning and race management gave him a crucial edge in the final meters. The tiny margin between them underscores the intensity and competitiveness of this incredible Milan-San Remo race.

Key Moments and Turning Points of the Race

The 2023 Milan-San Remo offered several key moments that shaped the outcome. The Cipressa and Poggio climbs, along with several strategic attacks and breakaways, significantly influenced the race dynamic.

• Cipressa and Poggio Climbs: These iconic climbs acted as major selection points, thinning the peloton and highlighting the strengths of the leading contenders. Van der Poel and Pogacar both performed well, showcasing their climbing capabilities.

• Impact of Breakaways: While several breakaways attempted to distance themselves from the main pack, none managed to create a lasting threat, largely due to the relentless pursuit of the leading contenders.

• Significant Crashes or Mechanical Issues: Thankfully, the race was relatively free from major incidents, although minor crashes and mechanical issues did slightly disrupt the race's flow.

The Significance of Van der Poel's Repeat Win

Van der Poel's repeat victory at Milan-San Remo cements his place among cycling legends. This accomplishment elevates him alongside previous Milan-San Remo champions who achieved repeat wins.

• Comparison to Previous Win: This year’s victory builds upon his previous success, demonstrating not just consistent performance but a mastery of the race itself, highlighting his ability to adapt his strategy based on ever-changing conditions and competitor strategies.

• Impact on Overall Cycling Career: This win significantly boosts van der Poel's standing in the cycling world. It’s a clear indicator of his sustained excellence and solidifies his position as one of the top cyclists in the world.

• Cycling Rankings: This victory will undoubtedly propel van der Poel up the cycling rankings and further establish him as a major contender in future classic cycling races.

Conclusion: Van der Poel's Milan-San Remo Domination Continues

Mathieu van der Poel's repeat win at Milan-San Remo was a demonstration of exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, and unrelenting determination. Tadej Pogacar's strong challenge made for a thrilling competition, showcasing the incredible talent within the sport. Van der Poel's tactical prowess and efficient energy management ultimately proved decisive, ensuring his dominance in this prestigious classic cycling race. This victory underscores his place amongst cycling's elite and promises an exciting future for the sport. What are your thoughts on this year's Milan-San Remo? Share your predictions for the next race! Read our other articles on classic cycling, discuss Van der Poel's Milan-San Remo performance, and learn more about the upcoming cycling season.