After his striking start to the season, with dominant wins at the UAE Tour, Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico, it is impossible to rule out Tadej Pogacar from the spotlight at Milano-Sanremo despite it not being the best race for his skillset. UAE Team Emirates will be focusing on the Slovenian at the first monument of the season, where his presence can change the course of the race.
He was asked by Cyclingnews about his ambitions for the race: "Everyone keeps asking what to expect on Saturday. Well, we can expect a long, hard race. Milan-San Remo is one of the easiest races to finish but one of the hardest races to win but we go there with a strong team and we try our best. I think it’s also one of the most difficult races for me to win, probably the hardest," he said.
From all corners of the cycling world there has been a lot of debate on whether and how Pogacar's presence in the race will make a difference. Although in the long, hard climbs he hardly has a match in today's peloton, the climbs at Milano-Sanremo are much less severe, and where tactical prowess is crucial. "Look at the finale. The Cipressa is not so steep. There’s the Poggio but a lot of riders can get over it and at speed, including some of the sprinters. At that point the race is decided in a sprint or someone tries a late solo attack. I’m not the rider with all the best options to win it. Of course, if I get a chance, I’ll go for it," he added.
Pogacar is expected to attack on the Cipressa by a multitude of cycling fans. Only on the spot will everyone know if that's to happen, and Pogacar himself has said the same: "A long range attack in Milan-San Remo, would be something special but I don’t think it’s likely. But maybe on the Cipressa you can do it."
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