The 2025 males’s Milan-San Remo was once a Classicissima for the ages, for the report books and particularly for Mathieu van der Poel.
The Dutchman defeated Filippo Ganna and Tadej Pogačar after a fantastic three-rider struggle from the Cipressa to the Poggio and into the By means of Roma end.
Van der Poel is the primary rider in 17 years to win a 2nd Milan-San Remo as Alpecin-Deceuninck finished three-peat after van der Poel’s 2023 victory and Jasper Philispen’s dash win in 2024.
The final hattrick was once by way of the Molteni workforce when Michele Dancelli gained in 1970 after which Eddy Merckx in 1971 and 1972. Van der Poel has now gained seven Monument Classics, equalling his greatest Classics rival Pogačar however Merckx stays the Cannibal with 19.
Pogačar was once competitive and ambitious as ever as he attempted to win Milan-San Remo, atmosphere a brand new report time of 9:00 for the Cipressa climb. Van der Poel admitted he had to be at his perfect to overcome him.
“I think this is one of my best moments of form ever,” he stated within the post-race press convention after a while to let his feelings and luck sink in.
“I trained more than ever this winter and realised I can manage the training load. I felt really good in Tirreno-Adriatico but knew that with a week of rest, I’d be at my best.
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“It was once lovely emotional after the end for the reason that race was once so laborious. It is tricky to imagine I gained any other Monument. It helps to keep going for me and for the workforce. However it is not one thing we must take without any consideration.
“Yet another year with another Monument win is something to be proud of. To win three times in a row may never happen again. It’s something to cherish.”
“Tadej is everybody’s rival, so if you can beat him, you’re close to victory,” van der Poel advised.
“He’s not only one of the best Classics riders but also one of the best Grand Tour riders. He’s a generational talent for sure. I’m happy to race against him and if you beat him, it’s special.
“I am more than happy and proud to win Milan-San Remo for a 2nd time. Each Monument is particular however this one is additional particular for the best way race evolved.”
Van der Poel was able to go with Pogačar when he attacked on the Cipressa and again on the Poggio. He even attacked him near the summit of the iconic climb, to try to hurt and test Pogačar.
“I truly attempted to head solo since you by no means know in a dash like this after a difficult race,” he defined.
“He went all out a few occasions to dry me and so I attempted to wreck him just a little too and counter-attack however he answered. Pogačar isn’t gradual and Ganna is speedy too. In races like Milan-San Remo, it is not about who’s the quickest however who’s the most powerful.”
“I believe I shocked him by way of launching my dash with 300 metres to head. Folks suppose I choose a brief dash as it labored a few occasions, so no one anticipated me to release from far out. You wish to have the legs to try this but it surely was once a very powerful consider my victory.”
