Alpecin-Deceuninck bid for Milano-Sanremo hat trick with Philipsen and Van der Poel: “It all depends on what happens on the Poggio”

As the peloton prepares to take on the longest one-day race of the year, Alpecin-Deceuninck arrive at Milano-Sanremo with a formidable one-two punch: 2023 champion Mathieu van der Poel and last year’s winner Jasper Philipsen.

However, Philipsen’s lead-up has been anything but smooth. A crash earlier this week left the Belgian battered and bruised, casting doubt over his ability to line up. But speaking in a team press release, Philipsen explained why he’s decided to push through.

“It was a hard crash that I didn’t see coming and I needed some time to determine if I would be ready to race,” he says. “My hand was stitched that same evening at the UZ hospital in Ghent and all the abrasions were treated with extra care. It’s far from comfortable, but fortunately the pain is not unbearable. On Thursday morning I was already able to ride quite well, without too much stiffness. So I want to give it a try.”

Despite the injury setback, Philipsen is realistic but optimistic about his chances, and the team’s.

“Milan-San Remo is never an easy race to win. Last year everything fell into place for me and I am very aware of that. But maybe this year the scenario will be completely different. But with Mathieu and now Kaden in the team, we have several options. I am confident that we can achieve something as a team and that is the most important thing in the end.”

Van der Poel, who claimed an emphatic win in the 2023 edition, knows that success in Sanremo often depends less on raw power and more on tactical timing.

“It is an unpredictable race. It is no coincidence that everyone says that it is one of the monuments that you can win without necessarily being the strongest rider. It all depends on what happens on the Poggio. The most difficult moment is when the group is still together after the descent of the Poggio. You know that attacks are coming. That is perhaps the most dangerous moment of the race.”

When it comes to his main rival, Van der Poel is keeping a close eye on Tadej Pogacar, who is widely expected to try and force a selection on the climbs.

“I think he will hesitate less than last year. He will try to ride even harder on the Poggio to create a decisive lead. Sometimes it is even better not to have the legs to attack yourself, but just to follow when someone else makes a move. You don't necessarily have to be the first over the Poggio to win.”