And finally, the first great duel of the season comes between two of the stars of the peloton who are the brightest and capable of performing any task, no matter how impossible it is: Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu Van der Poel. And the first face to face between Slovenian and Dutch will take place this Saturday at ‘Classicissima’in 115th edition of Milan-San Remowhich for the first time in its history left Pavia.
The first cycling monument of the year will be as tough and spectacular as ever. With almost 300 kilometers of route (288) and up to six climbs, the last two are the most importance for the outcome of the race: the Cipressa and the Poggio. Cipressa joined the ‘Classissima’ in 1982, it has just over 5.6 kilometers of climbing and an average slope of 4.1%. After the descent, the peloton will face the climb to Poggio di Sanremo when there are only 9 kilometers left to reach the finish line. It is a 3.7 km climb, with a slope ranging from 4 to 8%. And after reaching the top comes a dizzying descent of six kilometers, during which the runner who wants to aspire to victory must risk his mustache.
In the freshest memory are the stratospheric achievements of Matej Mohoric in 2022, and the use of a telescopic post that surprised many, and of Mathieu Van der Poel. The grandson of Raymond Poulidor many eyes are focused ahead of this year’s edition. He is looking to make history and become the first cyclist to repeat the victory in the ‘Classissima’ since the German did it. Erik Zabel (2000, 2001), but it will be easy. After his great cyclocross season, the road world champion makes his road debut this Saturday, and in front of him is the phenomenon of Tadej Pogacar. ‘Handsome’ He only has one race on his feet, but what race, the Street Bianche, where he started 80 kilometers from the finish line and no one could follow him. Despite this excellence, Van der Poel remains calm. “I know what Pogacar is capable of, but it doesn’t scare me.”
Both runners will focus all eyes, with the permission of other rivals who, due to their class and legs, can stand up to them, such as Mads Pedersen, Jasper Philipsen, Marc Hirschi, Olav Kooij, Christophe Laporte, Filippo Ganna and Thomas Pidcock. The show was served.
Source: La Verdad
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