“I think it can make the difference between first or third place for Tadej" - Is this the bike that will send Tadej Pogacar to glory at Milano-Sanremo?

Milano-Sanremo has finally arrived, marking the start of the Monument season, and everyone is wondering whether this could be Tadej Pogacar’s year. Despite having already conquered three of cycling’s five Monuments, this is the one that continues to elude him. It's no secret: this is the race he wants the most.

While much of the spotlight has focused on Pogacar’s form and rivals, In de Leiderstrui took a closer look at the equipment that could play a key role in Saturday’s outcome, specifically, the cutting edge bike he may choose to ride.

Back in December, a team press release revealed just how much effort UAE Team Emirates has put into refining their machines. “Wind tunnel tests have shown that the Y1Rs save 20 watts at 50 kilometres per hour,” it stated.

Project Engineer Filippo Galli provided further insight, explaining that while the new aero model is “200 to 300 grams heavier” than the standard climbing bike, the aerodynamic gains could outweigh the weight penalty. “I don't know exactly where the tipping point is. The aero bike is heavier, but it also gains 20 watts. It also depends on the rider and their role.”

Given Sanremo’s flat and fast profile, Galli believes the decision is clear. “I would think it would be logical if Pogacar would use it there, because it is a high-speed race. And then I also think about the guys who have to ride at the front all day. What Tadej ultimately does is up to him. But if you ask me now, it would be logical if he goes for the new bike.”

One of Pogacar’s key support riders, Tim Wellens, confirmed that the bike has already gained popularity within the team, so much so that he didn’t even receive his until quite late. “That bike is so popular within the team that I only got mine quite late. So I can't say too much about it yet and I won't be using it on Saturday. I hope to do so after the classics. There are a few who will use it on Saturday.”

While Wellens himself isn’t on board with the new setup this weekend, he has been impressed by the early feedback. “My teammates are all very satisfied and say that they also ride a lot faster in training, in terms of average kilometers per hour. So that bike must be good, also because quite a few riders will use it in Milano-Sanremo. It says something that Tadej rides it a lot and I have ridden it a few times myself. It is a very chic bike, although I dare not give a full verdict on it yet. My teammates are very satisfied, however.”

Young teammate Isaac del Toro echoed that enthusiasm. For him, the potential impact the bike could have on Pogacar’s chances is obvious. “I think it can make the difference between first or third place for Tadej, for sure. For me it won't make much difference in terms of the result, as long as he wins.”

Del Toro is expected to be on the new model himself, even if he still feels more familiar on the climbing version. “The bike is really faster, it's nice to ride it these days,” he said. “I think I'll use it on Saturday, even though the Colnago climbing bike feels a bit more familiar, because I feel more comfortable on it. I haven't done many hours on the aero bike yet, but if it's really much faster, we'll go for it on Saturday of course.”

So is today finally the day for Pogacar in Sanremo? Will the new bike do the trick? We have to wait just a few more hours to find out.