Milano-Sanremo 2026: Can Pogacar Finally Beat 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 you could cut the tension with a knife. We've seen this picture before: Tadej Pogacar attacking on the Cipressa, and Mathieu van der Poel biding his time, waiting for the perfect counter-move on the Poggio. But this year, it feels different. It's almost as if the entire cycling world is holding its breath and 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 comes down to two men. On one side, you have the world champion, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who's practically collected every trophy under the sun, but still hasn't been able to check the box next to "Classicissima." He's finished third, fourth, and fifth. He's tried everything, and in the last two years, he's redefined the tactics by piling on relentless pressure on the Cipressa. He's hungry, and he's got the form we all saw 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 shape of his life. He won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with a dominant solo ride and has been a force 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 whether Pogacar rides strong.
The Italian Longing: Can Ganna or a Local Hero Break the Spell?
While the two superstars steal 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 in the decisive breakaway last year and ended up on the podium. He's a time trial machine, 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 the triumph back to Italy for the first time since Vincenzo Nibali in 2018.
Beyond that, there's plenty of local flavor in the peloton. 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 the local cycling clubs. They're not the favorites to win, but they carry the soul of the classic with them through the Ligurian mountain roads.
Keep an eye on Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team). He's on the startlist and is one of those young sprinters who could spring a surprise if the race ends in a reduced bunch sprint. But that requires him to make it over the Poggio, which is a tall order for such a young rider.
The Women's "Manhattan": Can Wiebes Repeat Her Triumph?
The same day, the women will also tear through the Ligurian Riviera in the 2026 Milano-Sanremo Donne. Just like the men, the women's edition is decided on the final 30 kilometers 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 whether the peloton will 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 going to be a tactical masterpiece. Can Wiebes' teammate, Lotte Kopecky, neutralize 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 will be explosive.
How to Watch the Classic: Route, Times, and Channels
The route for this Milano-Sanremo 2026 Preview spans a grueling 298 kilometers from Pavia to Sanremo, nine kilometers longer than last year. The final 60 kilometers are some of the most intense in the entire cycling season, featuring the three small climbs (Capi), followed by the Cipressa, and then the legendary Poggio, whose summit comes just 5.4 kilometers from the finish.
As of this afternoon, the first road closures are already in effect around Sanremo – the locals know the classic is on its way. For us watching at home, it's time to find the couch 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): Around 4:45 PM
- Poggio (summit): Around 5:05 PM
- Estimated arrival on Via Roma: Around 5:15 PM
Milano-Sanremo isn't just a bike race; it's a chess match on two wheels, where the pieces weigh 80 kilos and take each other out with watts instead of rooks. Get ready for a Saturday where we finally get the answer to whether this last unconquered fortress for Pogacar will fall, or if Van der Poel will once again prove he's the greatest champion of his generation.