"Scared? No, I'm not" - Mathieu van der Poel ready to take on Tadej Pogacar at Milano-Sanremo

Mathieu van der Poel is the defending champion of Milano-Sanremo and a big contender for victory this Saturday. Tadej Pogacar will be his main competitor in the Italian classic but he is ready for the expected battle at the Poggio di Sanremo.

"If I could change something, I would like a little more peace. No, I am very happy with how the preparation went. Ideally I would have ridden a stage race for Sanremo, but last year it was a bit rushed working towards the Strade Bianche," Van der Poel said in a press release ahead of the race. "I can race well even without competitions. Although I think I can do just that little bit more. But if I can win one monument without rhythm, it is Milano-Sanremo."

Two years ago van der Poel began his season in this very race after a winter affected by a back injury, and rode to third. There is no doubt that he is a rider well suited to this race; and last year he absolutely thrived every time the riders faced long distances.

He will have to deal with a strong UAE Team Emirates, who will certainly push the pace from early to try and shred the field. Tadej Pogacar, who won in incredible style at Strade Bianche, will be the Dutchman's biggest rival on the road. "He has impressed again. But scared? No, I'm not. It was punishment, but it didn't shock me. We all know what he is capable of. It cannot be compared to Saturday's race. He is the favorite, like in every race he starts."

Van der Poel made the trip over to Italy some days ago and explored the route. He's given the descents the proper attention they deserve; taking into consideration that downhill attacks have on occasion decided the winner here.

"That's why I explored again. The descents of the Cipressa and Poggio are important to freshen up. Not at full speed, of course, because then you quickly get into trouble with traffic We'll see how it goes," he concludes.