2023 Milan-San Remo | Highlights
Report
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) added another Monument to his palmares with a brilliant solo victory at Milan-San Remo on Saturday. The Dutchman attacked near the top of the Poggio, the final climb of the 294km race, and held off a chasing group of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) to cross the line alone on Via Roma.
Van der Poel emulated his grandfather Raymond Poulidor, who won Milan-San Remo in 1961. He also joined an elite club of riders who have won cyclocross world championships and Monuments.
The race was fast and furious from the start, with a nine-man breakaway forming early on but never gaining more than three minutes over the peloton. The breakaway was caught on the Cipressa, where UAE Team Emirates set a high tempo for Pogacar. The Slovenian Tour de France champion made his move on the Poggio, followed by Van Aert, Ganna and Van der Poel.
The quartet quickly opened a gap over the rest of the peloton, but Van der Poel was not satisfied with playing cat-and-mouse with his rivals. He launched a powerful attack with 5.4km to go, leaving behind Pogacar, Van Aert and Ganna. He then descended like a rocket on the twisty roads of San Remo, taking risks and gaining time.
Van der Poel entered the final kilometer with a comfortable lead of 15 seconds over his chasers, who were unable to cooperate effectively. He had plenty of time to celebrate as he crossed the line with his arms aloft.
Van der Poel dedicated his win to his grandfather Poulidor, who passed away in 2019. “It’s incredible to win here,” he said. “It’s one of my biggest victories ever. I’m very proud to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps.”
He also praised his team for their support throughout the race. “They did an amazing job today,” he said. “They kept me out of trouble and brought me into position for every climb. I owe them a lot.”
Van der Poel will now turn his attention to the Tour of Flanders, where he will face another showdown with Van Aert and other Classics specialists.
Results
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