Milan-San Remo 2024: Van Der Poel's Dominant Double Victory Over Pogacar

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Van der Poel's Superior Tactics and Performance in Milan-San Remo 2024

Mathieu van der Poel's victory wasn't a stroke of luck; it was a testament to his meticulous planning and exceptional execution. His strategic choices throughout the race were nothing short of masterful. From the early kilometers to the final sprint, Van der Poel displayed an unparalleled understanding of the course and his competitors.

His performance showcased several key elements:

• Successful breakaway strategies: Van der Poel expertly timed his attacks, choosing opportune moments to break away from the peloton, forcing his rivals to expend valuable energy chasing him down.
• Impeccable pacing in the crucial sections: He managed his energy brilliantly, conserving his strength for the critical climbs and the final sprint. His pacing was a crucial factor in his ultimate success.
• Masterful handling of the technical descents: Van der Poel's descending skills were on full display, navigating the treacherous descents with precision and confidence, gaining crucial seconds on his rivals. This skill is often underestimated, but played a key role in his win.
• Powerful sprint finish: Having conserved his energy effectively, Van der Poel unleashed a devastating sprint in the final kilometers, leaving Pogacar and the rest of the field in his wake. His powerful finish solidified his place as the victor.

Van der Poel's bike setup, rumored to include the latest aerodynamic advancements, also likely contributed to his exceptional speed and efficiency during the race, though specifics remain unconfirmed.

Pogacar's Challenging Pursuit and Near-Miss in Milan-San Remo 2024

Tadej Pogacar, known for his aggressive racing style and remarkable climbing ability, adopted a different strategy. His approach involved launching multiple attacks throughout the race, attempting to break the peloton early and establish a lead.

While Pogacar's aggressive tactics were commendable, they ultimately proved insufficient to counter Van der Poel's strategic mastery. His strengths, while formidable, were not enough to overcome Van der Poel's tactical brilliance and superior race management. Key observations include:

• Aggressive early attacks: Pogacar's early attacks aimed to shake up the peloton, but they were consistently met by a strong response from Van der Poel and other riders.
• Late-race surge: Despite trailing, Pogacar made a determined late-race surge on the Poggio climb, attempting a decisive attack. However, Van der Poel’s strength and tactics negated this.
• Struggles on specific sections of the course: While a strong climber, Pogacar appeared to struggle slightly on certain technical sections of the course, costing him precious seconds.
• Close but ultimately unsuccessful final sprint: In the final sprint, Pogacar pushed relentlessly but couldn't match Van der Poel's explosive speed and power.

Key Moments and Turning Points of the Milan-San Remo 2024 Race

The 2024 Milan-San Remo was packed with thrilling moments. Several pivotal points decided the race:

• The Cipressa climb: This climb acted as a key selection point, with riders demonstrating their climbing prowess and strategic positioning. Van der Poel expertly navigated this section.
• The Poggio climb: The final major climb saw several attacks, including Pogacar’s surge. This was another crucial moment influencing the final outcome.
• The final sprint: The exciting final sprint was where Van der Poel showcased his superior speed and explosive power, ultimately securing the victory.
• Impact of any crashes or mechanical issues: Fortunately, the race was relatively incident-free, minimizing any significant disruptions that could have altered the outcome.

The Legacy of Van der Poel's Milan-San Remo 2024 Victory

Van der Poel's victory in Milan-San Remo 2024 cemented his status as a leading Classics specialist. This win signifies:

• Strengthening his reputation as a Classics specialist: Adding Milan-San Remo to his already impressive palmares solidifies his place amongst cycling’s elite.
• Building momentum for future Grand Tour ambitions: While a Classic specialist, this victory will undoubtedly fuel speculation about his future Grand Tour performance.
• Potential impact on future race strategies: Van der Poel’s strategy will undoubtedly influence how future competitors approach the race, emphasizing the importance of both climbing and sprinting prowess.

Conclusion: Relive Van der Poel's Epic Milan-San Remo 2024 Victory

Mathieu van der Poel's dominant performance in the 2024 Milan-San Remo, culminating in a stunning double victory over Tadej Pogacar, will be remembered as a thrilling chapter in cycling history. His tactical brilliance, exceptional climbing and sprinting abilities, and masterful race management showcased the skills of a true champion. The excitement and drama of this race will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come. Relive the excitement of the 2024 Milan-San Remo and witness Van der Poel's incredible double victory! Share your thoughts on this historic race in the comments below.