Pogačar Wins Milan-San Remo After Crash & Epic Battle with Pidcock & Van der Poel

Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates XRG secured a dramatic victory at the 117th Milan-San Remo on Saturday, outsprinting Tom Pidcock of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling by a half-wheel’s length after overcoming a significant crash earlier in the race.

The world champion’s bid for victory appeared to be jeopardized when he went down with approximately 33 kilometers remaining, colliding with several other riders including Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Matteo Jorgenson. Pogačar’s shorts were torn and he sustained abrasions to his leg in the fall, according to reports. Despite the setback, he managed to rejoin the peloton at the foot of the Cipressa climb, launching a remarkable recovery.

“When I crashed, for a second I thought it was all over,” Pogačar admitted after the race. “To crash just before the most important part of the race is not ideal. But I was luckily back on the bike and not too much damage to me or the bike, [just] a little bit.”

The crash occurred as the peloton navigated a bend in Imperia, disrupting the rhythm of the race and forcing several key contenders to chase back to the main group. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) was also delayed by the incident, though he was able to rejoin the peloton.

Pogačar’s aggressive riding style was on full display as he quickly moved to the front of the race after rejoining the peloton. He launched a powerful attack with 24.4 kilometers to move, immediately establishing a select group of three riders consisting of himself, Pidcock, and Van der Poel. The trio collaborated effectively, distancing themselves from the chasing pack.

On the Poggio, the final climb of the race, Pogačar made a decisive move, dropping Van der Poel and leaving himself and Pidcock to contest the finish. Despite repeated attacks, Pidcock proved resilient, staying within striking distance of the world champion. The two riders entered the final kilometers together, setting the stage for a thrilling sprint on the Via Roma.

“I was a bit afraid when he let me go first,” Pogačar said of his sprint with Pidcock. “I was waiting as long as I could but I also understand that wait too long because he has a better kick than me, probably. In the end it was a really close. Chapeau to him.”

The victory marks a significant milestone in Pogačar’s career, as he has now won four of cycling’s five prestigious Monument races. Only Paris-Roubaix remains on his list of achievements, a race he will target on April 12th. Prior to this win, Pogačar had finished Milan-San Remo 12th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd, demonstrating his consistent performance in the event.

Wout van Aert, after his recent return from injury, launched a late attack from the chase group, attempting to bridge the gap to the leaders, but ultimately fell short. He finished third.