“If I want to win, Van der Poel should not be there” – Maxim van Gils ready for chaos at Milano-Sanremo

Twelve months ago, Maxim Van Gils stunned many by finishing seventh at Milano-Sanremo. Now part of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe following a winter transfer from Lotto, the 25-year-old Belgian returns to the iconic Monument with quiet confidence and a sharper sense of what it takes to make an impact on the Via Roma.

Speaking to In de Leiderstrui ahead of the 2025 edition, Van Gils reflected on his breakthrough performance last year and what might have been possible with a sharper finishing kick.

“I feel good,” he said. “Last week I looked back at the images from last year. It's a shame that I don't have a very good sprint, otherwise I probably could have done even better last year.”

Despite a less than ideal run in to the race, Van Gils isn’t heading to the start line with doubts, just determination.

“My run-up was not ideal of course, but I am in good shape at the start. If I had any doubts, I would not have started. I am quite certain that I will be good, but Milan-Sanremo is always a special race. Especially if it rains on Saturday.”

Initially, Van Gils had planned to ride the Volta a Catalunya, but adjustments were made to centre his preparation solely on Sanremo.

“I've really been working towards Milano-Sanremo, it's not like I'm preparing for the Walloon classics now,” he explained. “The plan was to go to the Tour of Catalonia, but that was a bit tight, so we really focused on Milan-Sanremo. I believe I'm good enough to be able to compete for a good final classification on Saturday.”

Van Gils made time for training reconnaissance on the Cipressa and Poggio this week, using his efforts to study the crucial moments more thoroughly.

“Normally I ride the Cipressa and Poggio at a very high pace. During my training rides I was able to take it a bit easier and also explore the two climbs well. I now know the important points a bit better, which could be important for me in the race.”

Should the key contenders light up the Poggio, Van Gils is confident he can hold his ground.

“If Pogacar or Van der Poel go, I think I can just follow them. The climbs are difficult, but not hard enough that I expect to have problems.”

He also acknowledged the threat posed by other top names expected to be in the mix.

“Ganna and Pedersen are of course also in excellent shape now. In addition, they have also shown in previous years that they can compete for the victory, so this year they are also men to be reckoned with. However, I am not going to adjust my own course to this and I expect the course of the race to be the same again.”

The Belgian joined Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe over the winter and is now working with a new coach. While the structure around him has changed, his preparation remains familiar in rhythm.

“The preparation has been about the same,” he said. “I did get a different coach, which meant that the training towards the race was different than last year. But the run-up itself remains the same, and that is often the case with most teams.”

Crucially, Van Gils feels supported by a strong roster around him, riders who can help guide him into position on the crucial climbs, before it becomes a fight of legs and instinct.

“I think that many riders will be jealous of my teammates on Saturday. I have a very strong team with me who can set me up well on the Cipressa or Poggio. But on the final climb it will mainly be man against man, and the legs will have to do the talking.”

Van Gils knows that if he wants a shot at the win, he’ll need to be among the first over the Poggio, and even more importantly, nail the descent.

“It is important for me to be the first over the Poggio. It is also very important for me to ride an excellent descent. Still, you never know in Milan-Sanremo, it is actually a big lottery. There is a chance to ride to the finish in a small group, but if I want to win, Van der Poel should not be there, haha.”