Milano-Sanremo 2026: Can Pogacar Finally Conquer Van der Poel on the Via Roma?
There's something truly special about the first Monument classic on the cycling calendar. On Saturday, March 21st, the peloton rolls out from Pavia for the 117th edition of Milano-Sanremo 2026, and the tension is palpable. We've seen the picture before: Tadej Pogacar attacking on the Cipressa, and Mathieu van der Poel biding his time, waiting for the perfect counter on the Poggio. But this year feels different. It's almost as if the entire cycling world is holding its breath, asking: can the Slovenian finally get it done?
The Ultimate Duel: The Flying Dutchman vs. The Yellow Dragon
Let's not beat around the bush. Milano-Sanremo 2026 is all about two men. On one side, we have the World Champion, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who has practically swept every trophy there is, yet still hasn't been able to tick the box next to "La Classicissima." He's finished third, fourth, and fifth. He's tried everything, and in the last two years, he's completely reshaped tactics by piling on relentless pressure on the Cipressa. He's hungry, and he's got the form we all witnessed at Strade Bianche recently.
On the other side stands the defending champion, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech). The Dutchman has won two of the last three editions and looks to be in the form of his life. He won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with a commanding solo ride and has since dominated at Tirreno-Adriatico. Van der Poel has that unique ability to sit on Pogacar's wheel on the Cipressa, match his explosiveness on the Poggio, and then beat him in the sprint on the Via Roma. It almost feels like the race outcome depends more on whether Van der Poel has an off-day than on whether Pogacar rides strongly.
The Italian Longing: Can Ganna or a Local Hero Break the Duopoly?
While the two super-favourites grab the headlines, there's a nation of tifosi desperate for a home win. That could very well come from Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers). Ganna was part of the decisive move last year and ended up on the podium. He's a machine on the time trial, and if he can navigate the Poggio descent safely and open a gap on the flats into Sanremo, he could very well be the one to bring glory back to Italy for the first time since Vincenzo Nibali in 2018.
Beyond that, the peloton is filled with local flavour. From the Bergamo area, both six female and four male riders are taking the start – a proud tradition that shows just how much this race means to local cycling clubs. Few of them are likely to win, but they carry the very soul of the classic with them through the Ligurian mountain roads.
Irish cycling fans should keep an eye on the young talents in the mix, watching for any breakthroughs in what is always a gruelling day out.
The Women's 'Classicissima': Can Wiebes Repeat Her Triumph?
The same day, the women will also tear through the Ligurian Riviera for the 2026 Milano-Sanremo Donne. Just like the men's race, the women's edition is decided on the final 30 kilometres with the Tre Capi, Cipressa, and Poggio. Last year's winner, the dominant Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime), is back to defend her title. She's undoubtedly the fastest if it comes down to a sprint. But the question is, will the peloton allow it? Teams like UAE Team ADQ, with former winner Elisa Longo Borghini and the in-form Karlijn Swinkels, will try to make the race hard on the Cipressa to shake Wiebes off.
It's set to be a tactical masterpiece. Can Wiebes' teammate, Lotte Kopecky, neutralise the attacks? Or will we get a surprise from one of the many challengers like Marianne Vos or Kasia Niewiadoma? One thing's for sure: it's going to be explosive.
How to Watch the Classic: Route, Times, and TV Channels
The route for the Milano - Sanremo 2026 Preview features a gruelling 298 kilometres from Pavia to Sanremo, nine kilometres more than last year. The final 60 kilometres are some of the most intense in the entire cycling season, featuring the three small climbs (the Capi), followed by the Cipressa and then the legendary Poggio, whose summit comes just 5.4 kilometres from the finish.
From this afternoon, the first driving bans are already in place around Sanremo – the locals know the classic is on its way. For us at home, it's time to find the sofa and tune into Eurosport 2 or HBO Max, which will be broadcasting the race from start to finish. The expectation is that the peloton will hit the decisive climbs late in the afternoon:
- Cipressa (summit): Approximately 16:45
- Poggio (summit): Approximately 17:05
- Expected arrival on the Via Roma: Approximately 17:15
Milano-Sanremo isn't just a bike race; it's a chess match on two wheels, where the pieces weigh 80 kilos and attack each other with watts instead of rooks. Get ready for a Saturday where we'll finally find out if the last unconquered fortress for Pogacar falls, or if Van der Poel once again proves he's the greatest champion of his generation.