'The Turchino is a nice climb, no?' - Tadej Pogačar teases about a 150-kilometre Milan-San Remo attack, but is he really joking?

Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion, has playfully suggested a 150-kilometre attack at the upcoming Milan-San Remo, quipping, "The Turchino is a nice climb, no?" The Slovenian star, known for his aggressive racing style, also acknowledged the need for improved form and good fortune for the Monument. While seemingly a jest, Pogačar's comments have predictably ignited speculation regarding his tactics for La Classicissima.

This seemingly lighthearted comment carries significant weight given Pogačar's history and his previous attempts at Milan-San Remo. In 2022, he launched an audacious attack on the Poggio, only to be reeled in before the finish, ultimately placing fifth. His aggressive approach has often yielded spectacular victories, but San Remo's unique parcours, favouring tactical patience and explosive power on the Poggio, has thus far eluded him. A 150km move, while extreme, would certainly shatter the race's traditional dynamics.

Pogačar's "joke" is less about genuine intent and more about applying psychological pressure and keeping his rivals guessing. A shrewd move from a rider who rarely shows his true hand until the road goes up.