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On Eve of Milano–Sanremo, Pogacar Eyes Breakthrough With Early‑Attack Blueprint

Experts say his best chance is to force the race before the Poggio to avoid a sprint against Mathieu Van der Poel.

Overview

  • Former winners Gianni Bugno, Maurizio Fondriest, Pippo Pozzato and Vincenzo Nibali urge UAE Team Emirates to raise the pace as early as the Turchino and the Capi, then launch on the Cipressa.
  • Isaac Del Toro is highlighted as a potential difference‑maker to drive a ferocious tempo on the Cipressa and help sustain any long‑range move toward Sanremo.
  • Pogacar starts his sixth straight Milano–Sanremo still seeking a first win after results that include two third places, as recent editions have favored fast finishes he struggles to win.
  • Analysis underscores how the race’s 298 km and short final climbs reward power and drafting, making it difficult to drop Van der Poel on the Poggio and risky to arrive in a small‑group sprint.
  • Signals of form include Pogacar’s recent Strade Bianche victory and a blogger‑reported four‑second training improvement on the Cipressa, while TV coverage is set on Rai, Eurosport 2, Discovery Plus, HBO Max and DAZN.