10 years ago, Arnaud Démare won Milano-Sanremo. Nowadays the first monument of the season is a very different race, one where the sprinters don’t have realistic chances of succeeding, but instead it is the classics riders and climbers who have taken the spotlight. The French legend has praised Tadej Pogacar, who won this year’s edition, as potentially the best that this sport has ever seen.“I think he’s the best cyclist we’ve ever seen. At times, it even looks like he’s searching for something more, like he needs a different kind of challenge,” Démare said in words to RCM Sport. Démare argued that Pogacar operates under a different set of goals, due to his ability on the climbs. It is ultimately something that has given him the opportunity to fight for wins in almost every race he starts; whilst he is also well within range to win Paris-Roubaix.
This difference in ability isn’t just noticeable on the mountains, but also in the moments where he does not have to hit the front. “You’re at full gas, thinking about positioning before a climb, and he’s completely relaxed. That’s when you understand the gap,” the former pro says.