"He must focus on Ganna": Belgian expert sees only one way for Wout Van Aert to succeed at Milano-Sanremo

The Milano-Sanremo 2026 preview again revolves around the peloton’s marquee favourites, primarily Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar. Yet other big names are poised to seize any opening, among them Wout van Aert. For former sports director Marc Sergeant, the Belgian has a shot, but only if he races smart.

In his analysis for Het Nieuwsblad, the "Professor of Racing" argues that Van Aert arrives in excellent shape, as seen at the recent Tirreno–Adriatico. "The pace he sustained during Saturday’s tough Tirreno–Adriatico stage is a good sign," Sergeant notes.

Even so, the veteran analyst believes the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider starts with a slight disadvantage against the two top favourites when the race is decided on the final ascent of the Poggio di Sanremo.

"Let’s be honest: it will be very hard to win Sanremo against this Van der Poel," he admits.

For that reason, Sergeant thinks Van Aert should avoid a head‑to‑head with Van der Poel or Pogačar and instead choose a different script. His recommendation is to keep a close eye on Filippo Ganna. "My advice: Van Aert must focus on Ganna."

According to the Belgian, the two share similar traits: huge power and exceptional engine for the flat, but without the same punch as the best on the steepest ramps.

That similarity could make them situational allies during the race. If the favourites mark and attack each other, riders like Van Aert or Ganna could exploit any hesitation.

The clearest example came last year, when Ganna lost contact with the favourites on the Cipressa but used his power on the descent and the flat to rejoin the front group and finish second.

For Sergeant, Van Aert’s key will be to stay composed if the big favourites attack. Rather than trying to jump immediately with Van der Poel or Pogačar, he believes the Belgian should trust his endurance and power to help reset the chase later.

"Ganna’s wheel could be a good one to follow on Saturday," Sergeant concludes.

On a long, tactical and unpredictable course like Milan–Sanremo, any error or split‑second doubt can flip the outcome. That is where riders such as Van Aert or Ganna hope to find their opening.