Mathieu van der Poel outsprinted Filippo Ganna and Tadej Pogacar to win his second Milan-Sanremo Classic, securing the first Monument race of the season. Meanwhile, European champion Lorena Wiebes claimed victory in the first staging of a women’s event at Milan-Sanremo since 2005, making it a Dutch double on the day.
Van der Poel, who previously won the race in 2023, triumphed in a dramatic sprint finish. The leading trio of Van der Poel, Ganna, and Pogacar engaged in a tactical battle in the final moments, with the Dutchman making his move at the perfect time. Ganna crossed the line in second place, while Pogacar had to settle for third.
The race started under rainy conditions, creating a challenging early phase for the riders. However, as they reached the Ligurian coast, the sun emerged, making for an intense battle in the latter stages. An early breakaway saw an eight-man group gain an advantage, but the peloton eventually reeled them in at the foot of the Cipressa climb. It was there that Pogacar, aiming for his first Milan-Sanremo title, launched his attack, with only Van der Poel and Ganna able to match his pace.
The Slovenian continued to push the pace on the Poggio di San Remo, testing his rivals’ endurance. While Van der Poel stayed glued to his wheel, Ganna appeared to struggle. Despite Pogacar’s aggressive riding, Van der Poel remained composed, waiting for the perfect moment. In the final stretch, the Dutch rider surged ahead, securing his seventh Monument victory.
“I felt really good actually at the end. The beginning was horrible with the rain and the cold, but when we came down to the coast, I started to feel better,” Van der Poel said. “Just winning Milan-Sanremo is special, but beating these two incredible riders makes it even better. I’m super happy and proud to be on the podium with them.”
For Pogacar, it was another frustrating result, as he once again finished third, just as he had in the previous edition. Last year’s winner of the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and World Championships, Pogacar was unable to convert his attacks into victory this time.
The day also saw a historic moment in women’s cycling as Lorena Wiebes claimed victory in the newly reinstated women’s Milan-Sanremo. The 156km race from Genoa featured an exciting finale, with Wiebes outsprinting her compatriot Marianne Vos to secure the win.
Elisa Longo Borghini had launched a late attack at the bottom of the Poggio, less than two kilometers from the finish. However, the Italian was caught just before the line after a strong chase led by Wiebes’ teammate, world champion Lotte Kopecky. In the final meters, Wiebes proved strongest, crossing the line ahead of Vos, with Switzerland’s Noemi Ruegg taking third place.
“I had to finish the teamwork off,” Wiebes said. “I’m really grateful for how we worked as a team, and what Lotte did in the final, I’m super grateful for.”
The Dutch dominance in both the men’s and women’s races marked a memorable day at Milan-Sanremo, as Van der Poel and Wiebes etched their names into the history books with impressive victories.
