The distance of virtually 300 kilometers will be hard for many riders, and what used to be called the "sprinter's monument" is now frequently one for the classics riders, and even climbers as Pogacar brought in incredible versatility. The Cipressa and the Poggio are tough ascents at the end of so many kilometers, and last year he's attacked several times in search of a win, to then finish fifth on the day.
“I don’t live too far away and sometimes during training, I go as far as the Poggio. I won’t deny that I’ve imagined various scenarios of how the race might play out," he admitted. Resident in Monaco, he's very familiar with the terrain in question.
UAE Team Emirates have revealed a lineup full of riders for the climbs, signaling at clear intentions that they will push the pace severely if they have the chance.
Sanremo will be only his first of the spring classics however, in a schedule that's taking him all the way to Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The Tour des Flandres will perhaps be his biggest goal, whilst he also admits that Paris-Roubaix will one day be a goal as well.
“Last year in Flanders was one of the most fun days, I’ve ever spent on the bike. I’d like to experience Paris-Roubaix some day. And obviously the World Championships are very prestigious, so they’re certainly objectives for the future, even if winning them could be very difficult," he concluded.