Mathieu van der Poel triumphs again in Milan-San Remo
- The race featured a challenging 289 km route from Pavia to San Remo, starting in rain and concluding in sunny conditions.
- Tadej Pogacar made an ambitious early attack on the Cipressa climb but was closely followed by Mathieu van der Poel and Filippo Ganna.
- Mathieu van der Poel's successful sprint secured him his second victory in the Milan-San Remo, while Pogacar finished third.
In Italy, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, Mathieu van der Poel claimed victory at the Milan-San Remo, known as the first monument race of the cycling season. This year’s edition covered a challenging 289 kilometers starting in Pavia and finishing in San Remo. The race began in rain but transitioned to sunny conditions as riders reached the coast. Notably, Tadej Pogacar tried to capitalize on his climbing strength with a determined attack on the Cipressa climb, showcasing his capability as the reigning champion of both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, but he could not secure his first Milan-San Remo win. Van der Poel, alongside Filippo Ganna, matched Pogacar's pace, demonstrating strategic positioning throughout. Ultimately, Van der Poel executed a decisive sprint in the final stretch, successfully outpacing Ganna and Pogacar. This victory marked Van der Poel's second win in the Milan-San Remo, adding to the legacy established by his grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, who won this race in 1961. The competition was fierce, particularly between the top three riders who engaged in tactical play. A noteworthy aspect of the race was Pogacar's initial move, which shattered the Cipressa climbing record, showcasing the race's demanding nature. Despite his efforts, Pogacar finished in third place, echoing a sense of frustration as he fell short yet again.