Unyielding Tadej Pogacar Faces a Bitter Milan-San Remo Defeat Amidst an Iconic Showdown with Mathieu van der Poel
Thrilling Moments that Revolutionized Cycling in Just 30 Minutes
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Even the seemingly unbeatable Tadej Pogacar tumbles at Milan-San Remo, succumbing to the indomitable Mathieu van der Poel in an exhilarating clash that left the Slovenian visibly disillusioned.
The legendary journey concluded with a bitter pill for the revered cyclist. "Even here, even for me, the laws of physics have their say," admitted Pogacar, expressing defeat, after his thwarted bid for triumph at Milan-San Remo and his unsuccessful pursuit of van der Poel [1].
"I don't loathe the race"
On the revered avenue of dreams, Pogacar once again encountered a cruel reality. "Even here, it's the same, the laws of nature don't spare me," sighed the cycling luminary, reflecting upon his third place finish following a thrilling battle for victory [1]. The triumphant winner, Filippo Ganna, slipped between the two behemoths, leaving Pogacar in a bitter defeat. "I don't hate the race. I'll try again next year," he declared defiantly, as the victorious van der Poel reveled in his glory [1].
"This win is incredibly emotional," mused the Dutch champion, having just claimed his second Milan-San Remo victory. "I can't find the words to describe it," he marveled, while Italy's cycling news outlet, Gazzetta dello Sport, echoed his sentiments, praising the race as "the most moving half hour in classic cycling history" [1].
Pogacar Falters Up the Slopes
For over six hours, the 116th "Primavera," initially slick with ice, unfolded in the customary fashion: a mere prelude to the stunning conclusion ahead [1]. Then, the drama broke loose. Pogacar, who had already secured fifth, fourth, and third in the race, attacked with vigor at the Cipressa, 24 kilometers from the finish, with only van der Poel and Ganna in hot pursuit [1].
But, the Slovenian's efforts were not enough. Following a series of attempts, Pogacar expressed his frustration: "Of course, I would prefer if the Poggio were longer and steeper. But, it isn't. That's why this is very difficult for me" [1].
Tadej Pogacar, the Tour de France winner, remains driven and eager for more challenges. Consequently, in the upcoming weeks, he will face van der Poel on the latter's home turf. They could meet as early as this Friday at the Belgian cobblestone classic E3 Harelbeke, and at the Tour of Flanders on April 6 [1]. Speculations also suggest that Pogacar may contest Paris-Roubaix, scheduled for April 13, where van der Polet is the reigning champion [1]. The road to dreams — for Pogacar, it could be paved with cobblestones.
Sources:
- ntv.de, tno/sid
- Tadej Pogacar
- Cycling
Enrichment:
- The intense rivalry between Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel is set to continue, with them poised to race each other in multiple upcoming events:
- E3 Saxo Classic: This race, scheduled for this Friday, will feature the participation of Wout van Aert, adding another level of competition to the already heated duel between Pogacar and van der Poel [3].
- Tour of Flanders: Following the E3 Saxo Classic, both Pogacar and Van der Poel are expected to compete in the Tour of Flanders, which traditionally holds a significant place on their annual racing calendar [1][3].
- While not officially confirmed, there is speculation surrounding Pogacar's potential participation in Paris-Roubaix this year [1][2]. If he decides to join the race, it would present yet another opportunity for him and van der Poel to square off.
- Despite his defeat at Milan-San Remo, Tadej Pogacar remains undeterred and is eager to challenge Mathieu van der Poel on van der Poel's home turf, with possible meetings scheduled at the E3 Harelbeke, Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix.
- In these upcoming races, Pogacar, the Tour de France winner, plans to assert himself against van der Poel, hoping to turn the tables after their intense showdown in Milan-San Remo.
- Regardless of the outcome, Pogacar's pursuit of van der Poel in these coveted cycling races promises to captivate the world of sports, as their rivalry continues to unfold on and off the cycling tracks.
