Preview: Can Pogačar actually drop Van der Poel at Milan-San Remo?

The cycling world's gaze now turns to the Riviera for Milan-San Remo, the season's first Monument, where Tadej Pogačar is poised to challenge Mathieu van der Poel. Alpecin-Deceuninck, Van der Poel's outfit, is remarkably hunting a fourth consecutive victory in the event, a feat that would solidify their unprecedented dominance on the Via Roma. The strategic Poggio climb and the run-in to the finish are expected to be the battleground for these titans, with the outcome hinging on who can deliver the decisive blow.

This year's edition carries significant weight, particularly for Van der Poel, who seeks to defend his 2023 title and extend Alpecin's remarkable streak, which began with Jasper Philipsen in 2021 and Matej Mohorič in 2022. Pogačar, meanwhile, despite his formidable form, has yet to conquer La Classicissima, his aggressive style often thwarted by the race's unique dynamics. The question isn't just who wins, but whether Pogačar can finally adapt his Grand Tour prowess to the subtle, explosive demands of San Remo, or if Van der Poel's innate classic-riding instinct will once again prevail.

Ultimately, this isn't merely a race; it's a referendum on whether pure power can definitively break the tradition of patience and tactical genius that Milan-San Remo so often demands.