Milan-San Remo, one of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races, is set for a thrilling showdown on Saturday, March 21, 2026, as Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel prepare to renew their rivalry. The race, known for its challenging final kilometers and unpredictable finish, promises a captivating battle between the two cycling stars.
The 117th edition of Milan-Sanremo will see Pogačar aiming to finally claim victory, having finished third in the last two editions. However, defending champion Van der Poel stands in his way and the UAE Team Emirates management acknowledges the Dutchman’s strength. “He’s got the race sussed and he’s got Tadej’ number,” lead sports manager Joxean Fernánez Matxin told Eurosport. “But we’ll try to do it.”
Recent reports suggest that predicted headwinds could make a solo attack on the Cipressa climb more tricky for Pogačar. This adds another layer of complexity to the race, potentially favoring Van der Poel’s tactical prowess.
Van der Poel narrowly defeated Pogačar in the 2025 edition, surviving a strong challenge from the Slovenian. The Alpecin-Premier Tech rider recently indicated that even a slight dip in his performance – just 1% – could be enough for Pogačar to overtake him. This acknowledgment highlights the incredibly close competition between the two riders.
The race’s final 60km, featuring the ascents and descents of the Cipressa and Poggio climbs, is considered by many to be the best of the cycling season. Both the men’s and women’s races, with Lorena Wiebes defending her title in the women’s event, are expected to deliver drama and excitement.
Pogačar’s team believes that he has the potential to overcome Van der Poel, emphasizing the respect between the two rivals. “It’s very complicated to win there,” Fernánez Matxin added, “but either way it’s important that Mathieu’s such a respectful rival.”
The anticipation for this clash is high, with fans eager to witness another chapter in the compelling rivalry between Pogačar and Van der Poel. The outcome of Milan-San Remo could significantly impact the early season standings and set the tone for the rest of the cycling calendar.
