Milan-San Remo 2024: Van Der Poel Triumphs Over Pogacar

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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The Race's Key Stages and Their Impact on the Outcome

The 2024 Milan-San Remo was a test of endurance, speed, and tactical acumen. Several key stages significantly shaped the race's outcome.

The Cipressa Climb

The Cipressa climb, known for its relentless gradient, proved crucial in thinning the peloton. The early attacks set the stage for the later, more decisive battles on the Poggio.

• Impact on the race dynamics: The Cipressa climb weeded out weaker riders, setting up a smaller, more select group for the final ascent.
• Key riders who gained or lost positions: Several riders, including Wout van Aert and Julian Alaphilippe, attempted attacks but were ultimately unsuccessful in establishing a significant gap. This resulted in a tightly-packed group entering the base of the Poggio.
• Strategic implications of the climb: Riders who conserved energy on the Cipressa were better positioned to contest the decisive Poggio climb. This highlighted the importance of pacing and strategic decision-making in a race like Milan-San Remo.

The Poggio Climb

The Poggio, the final significant climb of Milan-San Remo, was the stage where the race truly ignited. It was here that Mathieu van der Poel made his decisive move.

• Description of Van der Poel's attack: With approximately 5km remaining, Van der Poel launched a powerful attack, surprising many in the peloton. His explosiveness surprised Pogacar, who was seemingly caught off guard.
• Pogacar's counter-attack and its success/failure: Pogacar responded immediately, attempting to close the gap, but Van der Poel's initial burst proved too much to overcome. Though Pogacar closed the gap slightly on the descent, it wasn't enough.
• The composition of the leading group at the summit: A small leading group containing Van der Poel, Pogacar, and a few other sprinters reached the summit of the Poggio. The race was far from over but the key protagonists were now firmly established.

The Sprint to the Finish Line

The final sprint to the finish line in San Remo was a nail-biting spectacle. The battle for positioning was intense, setting up the ultimate showdown.

• Van der Poel's sprint technique: Van der Poel showcased exceptional sprint technique, exhibiting incredible power and acceleration in the final meters. His precise positioning and timing ensured victory.
• Pogacar's final effort: Pogacar gave it his all in the final sprint, but he couldn’t match Van der Poel’s speed and explosiveness.
• Other key riders in the sprint: While Van der Poel and Pogacar dominated the sprint, other contenders were vying for the minor placings. The fight for the podium reflected the intense competition within the peloton.

Tactical Analysis: Van der Poel's Masterclass and Pogacar's Strategy

The Milan-San Remo 2024 wasn't just a display of physical prowess; it was a masterclass in tactical cycling.

Van der Poel's Race Strategy

Van der Poel's performance was a testament to his strategic thinking and impeccable race execution.

• Patience and calculated risk-taking: Van der Poel patiently waited for the right moment to strike, choosing the Poggio as his opportune moment for a decisive attack. This showed calculated risk-taking and mastery of the race situation.
• Effective teamwork (if applicable): While operating mostly independently, Van der Poel's tactical awareness of his competitors' positions and capabilities was key to his success.
• Exploitation of weaknesses in opponent's strategy: Van der Poel effectively exploited any hesitation or weakness in Pogacar's response to his initial attack on the Poggio.

Pogacar's Performance and Strategic Decisions

Despite his second-place finish, Pogacar's performance was commendable. However, his strategy on the Poggio could be analyzed further.

• Strengths and weaknesses shown during the race: Pogacar showed incredible strength and stamina throughout the race but his initial reaction to Van der Poel's Poggio attack could've been more aggressive.
• Analysis of his late-race decisions: Pogacar’s decision to chase Van der Poel aggressively after his attack ultimately fell short.
• Comparison to Van der Poel's strategy: While both riders displayed world-class abilities, Van der Poel's calculated attack and perfect execution of his sprint outweighed Pogacar's valiant but slightly reactive approach.

The Significance of the Milan-San Remo 2024 Result

The outcome of the 2024 Milan-San Remo holds significant weight within the cycling world.

Impact on the UCI World Ranking

Van der Poel's victory significantly boosted his UCI World Ranking, further cementing his position amongst the cycling elite. Pogacar maintained a high ranking despite not taking the win.

Implications for Future Spring Classics

This Milan-San Remo victory sets the stage for intense rivalries in upcoming Spring Classics. The head-to-head battle between Van der Poel and Pogacar has set a new bar for future races.

Historical Context

Van der Poel's victory adds to the rich history of Milan-San Remo, adding another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between himself and Pogacar. This result reinforces his position as a dominant force in Classic cycling.

Conclusion

Mathieu van der Poel's triumph at Milan-San Remo 2024 over Tadej Pogacar was a showcase of tactical brilliance and explosive speed. The race highlighted Van der Poel's strategic prowess and superior sprint, while also acknowledging Pogacar's relentless pursuit. This victory significantly impacts the UCI World Rankings and sets the tone for thrilling competition in the forthcoming Spring Classics. The Milan-San Remo 2024 race will be remembered as a classic encounter between two of cycling’s greatest talents.

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