Tadej Pogacar will play Saturday the second Milan-San Remo of his career, nineteen months following the first, resulting in a twelfth place. On fire since the start of the season, the Slovenian of the formation UAE Team Emirates arrives with very big ambitions, many observers hoping for an offensive on its part on the slopes of Poggio, or even Cipressa, which has not happened for a long time. Present at a press conference this Friday, the recent winner of Tirreno-Adriatico admitted, however, that he had a less than ideal start to the week and that he may not be in top form on Saturday.
Video – Tadej Pogacar spoke on the eve of Milan-San Remo
Who will win the 113th Milan-San Remo on Saturday?
“I don’t think Mathieu van der Poel is taking part in this race just to train”
“I’m not 100%, my nose is still a little stuffy”explains the one who caught a cold following Tirreno-Adriaticowhich he brilliantly won last week. “It was cold during Tirreno and it’s been a really tough week. I was tired for three days and did very little cycling, but luckily things are better since Thursday. I feel ready to race.” Among the main favorites of this 113th edition of the Very classic, Tadej Pogacar will notably find on its way Fabio Jakobsen (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team), Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo-Visma) ou Michael Matthews (Team BikeExchange-Jayco), but also Wout Van Aert (Team Jumbo-Visma), possibly the number one contender for victory, and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix), whose arrival was not planned.
“It’s true that Wout Van Aert is in exceptional form, but he is far from the only opponent, many riders can aim for victory. For example, I don’t think Mathieu van der Poel – who I am glad to see you once more – taking part in this race just to practice I think he will be strong […] In any case, this Milan-San Remo is an exciting challenge. The finish line is not far from my house (he lives in Monaco, editor’s note), so I know the course pretty well. But I know it’s one of the hardest races to win.”
“You have to approach the final with as much freshness as possible”
But what tactic will employ Tadej Pogacar ? Wait for the Poggio and try to make a difference in this single climb, or go on the offensive as soon as the climb of the Cipressa in order to put a lot of pressure on your opponents? “I learned a lot from my first participation, and in particular that you have to approach the final with as much freshness as possible. Attack from the Cipressa? I don’t know no, it will depend on how the race goes. I’m even considering the sprint option, and if so, I’ll try to do my best”concludes the double winner of the Tour de France.
🠇 ®ðŸ ‡ ¹ Everything is ready for another edition of the Milano-Sanremo powered by @eolo_it! These are some of the champions at the start, who will raise their arms in via Roma?
🇬🇧 Everything is set for another edition of Milano-Sanremo presented by @eolo.it! Who will raise his arms in via Roma? pic.twitter.com/hWH55eu9Wb
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