Milan-Sanremo will be regarded as the pinnacle of the Pogačar era – and why cycling’s most dominant rider still inspires devotion

Tadej Pogačar’s audacious Milan-Sanremo effort on Saturday has been widely hailed as a defining moment in his career, with many drawing parallels to his 2020 Tour de France victory. Despite ultimately finishing third behind Jasper Philipsen and Michael Matthews, Pogačar launched an early, aggressive attack on the Poggio, shattering the peloton and forcing an elite selection. His relentless pursuit of victory, even in defeat, underscored his status as cycling’s most compelling figure, inspiring fervent devotion among fans, as highlighted by a passionate Italian supporter in London.

This latest display of Pogačar's unyielding attacking spirit adds another chapter to a career already brimming with audacious moves and dominant victories. Coming off a commanding Strade Bianche win, his Milan-Sanremo strategy, though unsuccessful in securing the win, demonstrated a willingness to gamble and entertain that few contemporary riders possess. It reinforces his reputation as a rider who prioritizes spectacle and daring over conservative tactics, a trait that consistently resonates with the sport's global fanbase and sets him apart in an era often defined by calculated efforts.

Pogačar's "failure" to win La Primavera, paradoxically, only burnishes his legend further. It’s not just about the wins, it seems, but the glorious, exhilarating manner in which he chases them.