As Tadej Pogačar prepares for another shot at Milan–Sanremo this weekend, the great Eddy Merckx has offered some (unsolicited) tactical advice: don’t go too early.
Last year, Tadej Pogačar lit up the race with an attack on the Cipressa, only to be matched by Mathieu van der Poel. According to Merckx, a seven-time winner of La Classicissima, that move came too soon. Repeating it may lead to the same outcome. Meanwhile, UAE Emirates has been quite clear–with a stacked team, no less, that the Cipressa is the place to be. It’s a little longer, a little steeper than the Poggio. But the Belgian says it’s simply too far from the finish on Via Roma.
Cipressa ain’t it
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Merckx argued that the Cipressa is no longer decisive enough. Even if Pogačar manages to drop most of the field, as he nearly did last year, modern racing dynamics make it easier for chasers to regroup and bring attackers back before the finish.
Merckx also pointed out how conditions can make a difference. A headwind on the Cipressa, for example, would only reduce the chances of a successful solo move. In his view, patience is key…even for a rider as strong and aggressive as Pogačar. (We all know that the world champ loves to go early.)
Pogi on the Poggio
So where should the race be decided? Merckx says there’s only one option: the Poggio. The final climb before the run-in to San Remo remains the most effective launchpad for a winning attack, especially if timed perfectly. (And hey, it even kinda sounds like your name, so why not, Pogi?)
As many predict another win for van der Poel–there is still a path to victory for Pogačar, Merckx said. The Slovenian has come close in recent editions, finishing as high as third, and clearly has the engine to win. If it’s timed right. However, if he reaches the Via Roma finish alongside the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider after three hundo in their legs, it’s pretty much a fait accomplit.
It’s clear that van der Poel is flying, too. His win at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, plus his wins at Tirreno–Adriatico show he’s on form. (Even if he said he didn’t feel quite as good in Italy.)
Merckx says if Pogačar wants to win Milan–Sanremo, he needs to wait—and strike at exactly the right moment.
There’s also the (sort of) second edition of the women’s race on Saturday: The Sanremo Donne. Startlists are still being finalized but there should be a solid Canadian contingent there.
You’ll be able to watch both races on FloBikes.com. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have full reports on both versions of La Primavera afterwards.
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