Philipsen steals victory from Pogacar in the fastest Milan-San Remo in history

“Where are you going to attack?” asked Philippe Gilbert in his current job as a Eurosport reporter. The question was directed at Tadej Pogacar, from legend to legend. “At the Poggio”, explained the Slovenian. And just like in the last Strade Bianche, when he won with 80km to go after pushing his offensive, he wasn’t lying. However, the result was not the same and for the third time in a row history repeated itself: Pogacar almost won the Milan-San Remo route. So close, in fact, that he saw it pass before his eyes. The Slovenian, who was on the podium for the first time Classicissima, He witnessed the intense sprint duel they fought Jasper Philipsen and Michael Matthews (2.), which was narrowly decided in favor of the Belgian. The from Alpecin-Deceuninck (26 years old), winner of six stages of the Tour de France, won the first monument of his record, in addition to the additional honor of the conquest of the Fastest San Remo in history: average 46 km/h.

Hostilities began from the starting flag. Speeds of up to 70 km/h on flat roads form the breakaway group in the first few minutes, a tough battle. I wasn’t aware of all of this Pogakar, who literally rode a few kilometers last in the peloton. Laughing with Philipsen, jokes with Alaphilippe… Maximum relaxation. Full faith. At kilometer 17, after many attempts, the large group took their foot off the accelerator and allowed eleven cyclists to escape, including the Spanish representative Sergio Samitier.

The hours passed and how it was in the Classicissima, Because of Van der Poel’s breakdown, there was little to say other than a bike change Crash in the peloton involving Carlos Canal Luckily there were no consequences. And so, like a Christmas roast, the race was carefully cooked over a low heat, with the Turchino and the “Capi” serving merely as testimonial difficulties. Yes indeed, Laporte, one of the candidates, He was left behind on the climb to Berta. He United Arab Emirates was the culprit…

A surprise guest

With about 50 km left, Pogacar started the machines. The Cipressa and the tension increased every second. As a result, there were several falls, but without any unfortunate consequences. A year later, the question still remained: would the Slovenian prodigy save his powder until the Poggio or would he try it beforehand? The tactic would be repeated again, although the The pace that Del Toro set during the Cipressa destroyed the race. The group of the chosen consisted of about 30 units. Surprisingly, there was a break as Pogacar had Wellens as the only pawn left. The plan didn’t work out in the end…

And with Davide Bais neutralized, last survivor of the escape, the Poggio rose. As expected, Wellens was already accelerating 1.5 km from the summit, Pogi It started with violence. He didn’t manage to gain a lead, but he took a breath and with only a few meters left to the summit he tried again, a move identical to the one that gave Van der Poel victory in 2023. The Slovenian had a small gap to relegation, but there they managed to outdo him, both Van der Poel and the rest of the main favorites. After that everything would be solved in a sprint Van der Poel sacrificed himself for Philipsen to end a dangerous cut that Mohoric opened. Pogacar started too far back Fly, and he still managed to finish third. Matthews took the lead and heeled toward the fences when he saw Philipsen in the rearview mirror. But he still didn’t manage to stop the Belgian’s anger. The fastest connection ever between Milan and San Remo is history.

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