Pogacar Defeated: Van Der Poel's Milan-San Remo Double

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Van der Poel's Strategic Masterclass

Early Aggressiveness and Team Tactics

Van der Poel's victory wasn't a fluke; it was a meticulously planned and executed tactical masterpiece. His early aggressiveness set the tone for the race, disrupting the established rhythm and forcing other teams to react. This aggressive riding style, supported by exceptional teamwork, proved to be the key to his success.

• Early Breakaway Attempts: Van der Poel's team initiated several early breakaway attempts, tiring out key contenders and creating openings for their leader's later attacks.
• Controlled Pace Setting: Throughout the race, Alpecin-Deceuninck expertly controlled the pace, preventing dangerous attacks from forming and conserving energy for the final climbs.
• Effective Lead-Out: In the final kilometers, his teammates perfectly executed their lead-out strategy, positioning Van der Poel perfectly for the final sprint.

This tactical brilliance, combined with the unwavering support of his team, highlights the importance of teamwork in securing a victory at such a prestigious classic cycling event. The synergy between Van der Poel and his Alpecin-Deceuninck squad proved to be an insurmountable force.

Power Play on the Cipressa and Poggio

The Cipressa and Poggio climbs are notoriously challenging, and Van der Poel's performance on them was nothing short of exceptional. His powerful acceleration and climb dominance left his rivals struggling to keep pace.

• Cipressa Attack: Van der Poel launched a decisive attack on the Cipressa, shedding several key rivals, including Pogacar. His tactical positioning was perfect, allowing him to unleash a powerful acceleration without expending too much energy.
• Poggio Power: On the Poggio, Van der Poel further solidified his lead, demonstrating superior stamina and power compared to the rest of the peloton. His overtaking maneuvers were both impressive and decisive.
• Comparison to Pogacar: While Pogacar attempted to respond, he lacked the same explosive power and ultimately couldn't match Van der Poel's pace on these crucial climbs.

Pogacar's Unexpected Struggle

Factors Contributing to Pogacar's Defeat

Pogacar's subpar performance was a significant surprise. Several factors might have contributed to his unexpected defeat.

• Fatigue: The demanding racing schedule leading up to Milan-San Remo might have left Pogacar fatigued, impacting his ability to perform at his peak.
• Tactical Miscalculations: Pogacar's tactical approach might have been slightly off, perhaps underestimating Van der Poel's early aggression.
• External Factors: While unlikely, unforeseen circumstances such as a mechanical issue or an unfortunate crash could have played a role.

Analysis of Pogacar's Race Strategy

Pogacar's usual attacking style wasn't as effective in this race. He appeared to rely on a late-race surge, but Van der Poel's early aggression and controlled pace prevented him from finding the necessary openings.

• Reactive Approach: Pogacar seemed to react to Van der Poel's moves rather than dictating the race himself. A more proactive strategy might have yielded different results.
• Lack of Team Support: Compared to the cohesive Alpecin-Deceuninck team, UAE Team Emirates’ support seemed less effective in protecting Pogacar and setting him up for a decisive attack.

The Significance of Van der Poel's Double Victory

Historical Context and Impact

Van der Poel's Milan-San Remo victory holds significant historical context. This monument win marks a major career milestone, adding to his already impressive palmares.

• Rarity of a Double: Double victories at Milan-San Remo are incredibly rare, showcasing the exceptional performance needed to achieve this feat.
• Career Milestone: This triumph significantly adds to Van der Poel's legacy as one of the most dominant cyclists of his generation.

Future Implications for the Cycling Season

Van der Poel's victory significantly impacts the upcoming cycling season and the competition landscape.

• Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix: This win establishes Van der Poel as a strong favorite for the upcoming Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix classics.
• Shifting Dynamics: The victory reshapes the dynamic between Van der Poel and Pogacar, and the rivalry between them is sure to be intense in the coming races.

Conclusion

Van der Poel's strategic brilliance and tactical mastery were undeniably the keys to his stunning Milan-San Remo double victory. Pogacar's unexpected struggle highlights the unpredictable nature of elite cycling competition. This Milan-San Remo 2024 race recap showcases Van der Poel's dominance and leaves us anticipating thrilling races in the remainder of the season. Share your thoughts on Van der Poel's Milan-San Remo win and the Pogacar vs. Van der Poel rivalry using #MilanSanRemo. What are your predictions for the upcoming classics? Discuss the impact of Van der Poel's Milan-San Remo victory on the rest of the cycling season. Let's continue the conversation about this epic race!