Van Der Poel Repeats Milan-San Remo Win, Defeats Pogacar

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Van der Poel's Race Strategy and Tactics

Masterful Positioning Throughout the Race

Van der Poel's victory wasn't just about raw power; it was a masterclass in strategic positioning. He expertly conserved energy throughout the grueling 294km race, avoiding unnecessary sprints and always maintaining a prime position within the peloton. His team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, played a crucial role in this, shielding him from the wind and ensuring he was perfectly placed for every key moment.

• Cipressa Climb: Van der Poel expertly navigated the challenging Cipressa climb, staying near the front of the group to avoid getting caught in any unexpected attacks or crashes.
• Poggio Positioning: Prior to the decisive Poggio climb, he was perfectly positioned, nestled within the leading pack, ready to strike at the opportune moment. His team’s tactical maneuvering ensured he wasn't boxed in and could unleash his power.

Powerful Attacks on the Poggio

The Poggio climb is notorious for deciding Milan-San Remo, and Van der Poel didn't disappoint. His attacks on the final ascent were nothing short of devastating. He unleashed several powerful surges, each one whittling down the group of contenders.

• First Attack: His initial attack shook up the peloton, immediately dropping several key rivals, including some of Pogacar's key support riders.
• Decisive Surge: A second, more decisive surge on the upper slopes of the Poggio definitively separated him from Pogacar, establishing a lead he wouldn't relinquish. This showed incredible power and timing.

Exceptional Sprint Finish

Despite the grueling climb, Van der Poel still had enough in the tank for a powerful sprint finish. He crossed the line with a clear advantage, showcasing both his stamina and explosive speed.

• Maintaining the Gap: He managed to hold off a late charge from Pogacar, maintaining a significant enough gap to ensure a comfortable victory.
• Dominant Finish: His powerful sprint emphasized his overall superior strength and speed, leaving no doubt about the winner of the Van der Poel Milan-San Remo race.

Pogacar's Performance and the Head-to-Head Battle

Pogacar's Strong Showing

Despite the loss, Tadej Pogacar put in an impressive performance, demonstrating his own exceptional climbing ability and tactical awareness. He pushed Van der Poel hard, proving himself a worthy rival.

• Challenging Van der Poel: Pogacar repeatedly attempted to challenge Van der Poel on the Poggio, showcasing his formidable climbing prowess.
• Strong Competitor: His close second place finish demonstrates his strength and ability to compete with the best in the world at the highest levels of professional cycling.

The Significance of the Duel

The head-to-head battle between Van der Poel and Pogacar was a monumental clash between two of cycling's biggest stars. Such direct competition for a Classic win is rare and adds significant weight to the victory for Van der Poel.

• Rarity of the Matchup: Witnessing these two cycling titans directly vying for victory in a Classic is a rare and unforgettable spectacle.
• Future Implications: This duel foreshadows many more exciting races between these two champions in years to come.

Impact of the Win on the Cycling World

Van der Poel's Growing Legacy

This Milan-San Remo win significantly enhances Van der Poel's growing legacy. He's already a multiple Classic winner, and this repeat victory further cements his place among cycling's all-time greats.

• Previous Victories: This win adds to his already impressive palmares of Classic victories, including previous Milan-San Remo wins and other significant titles.
• Spring Classics Dominance: He is establishing himself as a dominant force in the Spring Classics, a feat only achieved by the very best cyclists.

Implications for Future Races

This victory at Milan-San Remo significantly boosts Van der Poel's confidence and sets the stage for exciting prospects in the upcoming races.

• Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix: He is now considered a strong favorite for both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, other iconic Spring Classics.
• Continued Dominance: His Milan-San Remo win strongly suggests a continuation of his dominant form throughout the remainder of the Spring Classics season.

Conclusion

Mathieu van der Poel's repeat victory at Milan-San Remo, secured through a thrilling showdown with Tadej Pogacar, is a testament to his exceptional skill and strategic prowess. His masterful race tactics, powerful attacks, and superior sprint finish solidified his place as a dominant force in the Spring Classics. This victory not only adds another significant win to his impressive career but also sets the stage for an exhilarating remainder of the cycling season. Keep following our coverage for more updates on the Van der Poel Milan-San Remo legacy and his progress in future races!