"This race will always be special for me" - Matej Mohoric returns to Milano-Sanremo unsure of current form
Cycling
There is great hope for a Slovenian win at Milano-Sanremo 2025 in the form of Tadej Pogacar. It's fair to say not many are thinking about the 2022 Milano-Sanremo winner Matej Mohoric however, thanks in part to a disrupted season so far.
“I had a difficult approach to Sanremo this year,” previews Mohoric in a pre-Milano-Sanremo press release posted to the official website of the Bahrain - Victorious team. “I wasn’t at 100% during Opening Weekend and then got sick just before Strade Bianche. Hopefully, I’ve recovered in time for the first Monument of the season. This race will always be special for me, having won it in 2022. My goal on Saturday is to focus as if I can fight for the win in the final, like in the last couple of years. Whether that’s possible with my current condition remains to be seen on race day.”
Whilst he himself may be a little reserved about his own hopes, sports director Franco Pellizotti is optimistic about Mohoric’s chances. “Matej has faced a tough few weeks, but his last training sessions have shown that he has recovered well. That’s important for his confidence,” explains Pellizotti. “What he’s missing is racing rhythm, the chance to directly test himself against his rivals. But he has already won Sanremo without racing Tirreno-Adriatico or Paris-Nice, which gives him confidence. The beauty of this race is its unpredictability. Even a champion like Tadej Pogacar hasn’t managed to win it yet, proving how difficult it is. But at the same time, it can also be one of the easiest Monuments to win.”
“The most critical point remains the Cipressa. It’s essential to be at the front, especially if the weather is bad," the DS concludes. "Fortunately, the forecast looks better for Saturday. If no decisive move happens there, then the Poggio will be the key moment. That’s where everyone expects attacks. Matej tried again to make the difference on the descent last year but was caught. Let’s see how it plays out this time.”
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