"Tadej allowed me to keep enjoying cycling" - Michael Matthews on shared passion for (not only) Milano-Sanremo with Tadej Pogacar

For the third time. Michael Matthews has once again come incredibly close to winning his first Monument with Milano-Sanremo, but a pair of untamed glasses and Jasper Philipsen were against. At 34, Matthews still believes he can fulfill his dream celebration in San Remo sooner than the other big gun eyeing Milano-Sanremo title - Tadej Pogacar.

"Now, every classic is full throttle from the start," he told IDLProCycling.com, among others. "In Milano-Sanremo this year, there was barely time to stop for a wee after the flag dropped. UAE Team Emirates hit the gas right away, which makes sense when you've got Tadej Pogacar in the team. For us experienced riders, it’s all about adapting. If you don’t, you’re out."

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At the same Matthews really enjoys this new approach to racing: "I think cycling is more fun now. Back then, I rode for fun, but now I invest more time in it, both on and off the bike. I’ve raced against three generations of top riders, and the fact that I’m still competing at the highest level makes me proud. It doesn’t feel like work — I enjoy racing against these guys. That makes me happy."

Many of Matthews' peers have retired, the Australian rediscovered his love for cycling thanks to Pogacar, his good friend. "Tadej was an incredibly important factor in the change I’ve undergone. I saw myself in him, in his attitude, which I also had at his age. Tadej has always kept me in the zone and has allowed me to keep enjoying cycling."

On top of that, Matthews and Pogacar share the same frustration: Milano-Sanremo. Each for a different reason: Matthews because he can win it and Pogacar because he cannot. "There are two ways to win Sanremo. In one scenario, he has the best chance. In the other, it’s me. For him, it needs to be an incredibly tough race, even harder than this year. For me, I’m happy if we reach the finish with a small group. In that situation, we can’t really help each other — we just have to focus on ourselves."

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