Cycling: Mathieu van der Poel has won the Milan – Sanremo one-day race for the first time in his career. The Dutchman attacked at Poggio and couldn't be caught on the descent to the finish line. The 114th edition of this monument will also go down in history as the fastest Milan – Sanremo.
Van der Poel counters Pogacar
With an impressive solo hat Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) won the Monument Milan – Sanremo. The Dutchman attacked over the crest of the Poggio and continued to pull away on the descent. previously sat Tadej pogacar (UAE) launched his attack with the support of his teammates. As with Van der Poel, wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) and Filippo Gana (Ineos Grenadiers) had three riders on his rear wheel, but the Slovenian slowed down just before the Poggio summit. The later winner used this moment for his attack – with success.
Balmer in the leading group
The 114th edition of Milan - Sanremo led the professionals over 294 kilometers, but did not start in Milan as usual, but in Abbiategrasso. In this enormously long one-day race, being part of the breakaway rarely proved successful. Nevertheless, nine courageous drivers, including the Swiss, tried again today Alexander Balmer (Jayco-AlUla). However, when it came to the decisive phase, the fugitives at La Primavera were, as expected, long overdue.
Politt attacks between Cipressa and Poggio
On the approach to the Cipressa, the UAE team took command of the peloton. Some well-known drivers fell victim to this speed dictate. Among other things, could Mark Cavendish (Astana) not follow. Also Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers) and Sam Bennett (Bora – hansgrohe) lost touch because they fell exactly in this phase. There were no attacks in the Cipressa itself. However, between Cipressa and Poggio tried himself Nils Politt (Bora – hansgrohe). However, the German had to realize relatively quickly that he could not get away in this flat section.
Mathieu van der Poel attacks!
Is the cyclo-cross world champion going to claim the first monument of the season?#MilanoSanremo pic.twitter.com/q6AfARQgGQ
- Eurosport (@eurosport) March 18, 2023