"I am very aware that I have to be 110% fit to beat Pogacar" - Mathiue van der Poel speaks ahead of Milano-Sanremo battle with Pogacar and Ganna

The countdown is nearly over. Milano-Sanremo, the first Monument of the 2025 cycling season, is upon us, and all eyes are on Mathieu van der Poel. Can he reclaim his throne?

The Alpecin-Deceuninck superstar conquered the monument in 2023 with a breath taking solo attack on the Poggio, and he returns to the Italian classic eager to relive that glory. Speaking ahead of the race to l’Équipe and La Gazzetta dello Sport, van der Poel reflected on his childhood fascination with the unpredictable nature of Milano-Sanremo.

“As a child, I thought Milan-San Remo was one of the most beautiful races to watch, because you never know what can happen,” he said. “Winning in the Velodrome is super special, but triumphing on the Via Roma is more emotional. In San Remo, you just don't know you're going to win until you're in the last few dozen meters. That makes it more special.”

Despite being a previous winner of Paris-Roubaix, van der Poel admits he may hold Sanremo in even higher regard. Its suspense, the way it unfolds in the final kilometres, and the sheer unpredictability of the finish have all left a lasting impression on him.

While much of the attention centres on van der Poel’s budding rivalry with Tadej Pogacar, the Dutchman is quick to spread the spotlight to other contenders, most notably Filippo Ganna.

“Ganna is Ganna. In the last two or three editions, he was already one of the strongest riders on the Poggio. He seems to be in super condition. Ganna will definitely be there in the final. It is not just about me and Pogačar.”

His respect for Pogacar is clear, but van der Poel plays down any talk of personal rivalry, pointing instead to self-preparation and acceptance of outcomes.

“To be honest, I have a very good relationship with Tadej, I don't really think about rivalry at all. I try to be in the best possible shape for competitions. And if he - like in the Tour of Flanders 2023 - is better, then that is something you have to deal with. I couldn't change that myself, because I knew that I had done everything to be in the best possible shape. If a rider is better, then it is what it is.”

With his palmarès already overflowing, van der Poel could be forgiven for taking a more relaxed approach. But his mindset remains as sharp as ever, and he knows the level required to win again.

“I have reached an age where I have achieved almost every goal I set for myself. And even more. Everything that comes now, I see as a bonus. Of course I still want to try to win the biggest races on earth, or another Monument. I am still super motivated. And I am very aware that I have to be 110% fit to beat Pogacar. That is always a good motivation.”