Why We Need Mathieu van der Poel to Beat Pogačar at Milan-San Remo – and Why He Will

VeloNews has published an opinion piece advocating for Mathieu van der Poel to defeat Tadej Pogačar at the upcoming Milan-San Remo, suggesting Pogačar's intense desire for the monument makes him less suited for it. The article posits that Van der Poel's continued denial of Pogačar at *La Primavera* would ultimately benefit cycling fans, framing it as a necessary dynamic for the sport's narrative.

This perspective arrives as Pogačar, fresh off a dominant Strade Bianche victory, openly targets Milan-San Remo, one of the few monuments missing from his palmarès. Van der Poel, the reigning champion and a rider who has consistently challenged Pogačar in one-day races, represents the primary obstacle. Their rivalry, particularly in the Classics, has defined recent seasons, offering a compelling contrast to Pogačar's often unchallenged grand tour dominance.

Indeed, the sport thrives on compelling narratives and rivalries. While Pogačar's pursuit of cycling immortality is undeniable, a sustained challenge from Van der Poel at *La Classicissima* ensures the drama remains as unpredictable as the Cipressa descent.