Won and Done? Why Pogačar’s First Milan-San Remo Victory May Be His Last

Tadej Pogačar, fresh off his dominant victory at Milan-San Remo, has indicated the immense physical and mental toll the monument exacted, leading to speculation that his debut win might also be his last. Tom Pidcock, a fellow competitor, corroborated Pogačar’s sentiments, suggesting the Slovenian superstar could indeed turn his back on *La Classicissima* despite finally conquering it, raising questions about his future participation in the 290km race.

This potential withdrawal, following a performance that saw him drop all but one rival on the Poggio, would be a significant development. Pogačar has consistently expressed his ambition to win all five Monuments, and San Remo was the penultimate jewel in that crown, leaving only Paris-Roubaix. His career trajectory has been defined by an insatiable hunger for victory across diverse terrain, yet the sheer length and specific demands of San Remo clearly present a unique challenge even for a rider of his calibre.

A rider of Pogačar's talent could win San Remo five times if he chose to. To claim it once and then walk away, however, is perhaps the ultimate flex for a man who seems to redefine what's possible in cycling.