Chasing perfection on Cipressa and Poggio – Where have Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG fallen short at Milan-San Remo and how do they finally win it in 2026?

The CyclingNews piece dissects Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG's repeated failures at Milan-San Remo, specifically highlighting their struggles on the Cipressa and Poggio. The analysis focuses on how the Slovenian superstar has fallen short in previous editions and proposes strategies, including leveraging his new supporting cast, to secure a victory at *La Primavera* by 2026. This retrospective look aims to identify the missing pieces for the sport's most dominant rider in arguably its most unpredictable Monument.

This persistent quest for Milan-San Remo glory underscores a rare chink in Pogačar's otherwise impenetrable armour. Despite multiple Grand Tour wins and Monument victories like Flanders and Liège, San Remo remains elusive, a testament to its unique tactical demands. For UAE Team Emirates, conquering *La Primavera* would not only complete Pogačar's Monument collection but also solidify their status as the sport's premier all-around team, proving they can master even the most nuanced one-day races.

Ultimately, Pogačar's San Remo saga is less about inability and more about the race's inherent lottery. Even the greatest must sometimes wait for the stars, and the peloton, to align.