Van der Poel Outpaces Pogačar and Ganna in Historic Monument Victory
SANREMO, Italy (March 22, 2025) – Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning cyclo-cross world champion, once again etched his name into cycling history by claiming victory at the prestigious Milano-Sanremo. The Dutchman outpaced two of cycling’s most formidable talents, former time trial world champion Filippo Ganna and reigning road race world champion Tadej Pogačar, in a thrilling sprint to the finish. With this triumph, Van der Poel becomes the first rider in seventeen years to win multiple editions of La Primavera, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats.
A Tactical Masterclass on the Riviera
The 289-kilometer race unfolded in dramatic fashion, with a decisive move forming on the iconic Cipressa climb. It was Pogačar who initiated the fireworks, launching a blistering attack that splintered the peloton. Only two men could match his acceleration: Filippo Ganna, using his time-trialing prowess to maintain contact, and Van der Poel, who bided his time and remained composed as the battle raged on.
On the Poggio, Pogačar tried relentlessly to shake his companions, launching multiple accelerations in an effort to go solo. However, Van der Poel showcased his remarkable resilience, countering each surge and staying glued to the Slovenian’s wheel. As they crested the climb and descended toward Sanremo, it was clear the race would be decided in a sprint.
Van der Poel made his move with 300 meters to go, seizing the moment with a perfectly timed acceleration. Neither Ganna nor Pogačar could match his power, allowing the Dutchman to cross the line victorious in a time of 6 hours, 22 minutes, and 53 seconds, averaging an impressive 45.288 km/h.
Speaking seconds after the finish, Mathieu Van der Poel said: “I was very focused on trying to get the win but it wasn’t easy against these two guys. I felt horrible with the rain and the cold at the beginning of the race but very good at the end, after we reached the coast. It’s the third year in a row that we win Milano-Sanremo as a team. I knew Tadej was the strongest on the climbs. The way he rode the Cipressa was impressive. Once we were three at the front, the cooperation was very good. It meant the podium spots. Tadej was trying to drop me. But I felt pretty strong. I countered him on the Poggio but he was strong enough to come across. Then I knew the other two wanted to make it a long sprint. They probably thought I wanted to make it as short as possible. I think I surprised them a little bit. I launched my sprint when I saw the 300 meters sign. I felt strong enough to keep it till the line. I think it was the right tactic. Just winning Milano-Sanremo is special but beating these two incredible riders, I’m super happy and proud to be on the podium with them.”
Final Standings:
- Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – 289km in 6h22’53” (45.288 km/h)
- Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) – s.t.
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) – s.t.
- Michael Matthews (Team Jayco AlUla) – at 43 seconds
- Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – s.t.
Post-Race Reflections: Champions Speak
Speaking at the post-race press conference, Van der Poel reflected on his performance with a mix of pride and emotion. “I’m in one of the best shapes of my life,” he admitted. “I felt strong at Tirreno-Adriatico, and after a week of rest, I knew I could be at my best today. Cipressa was tougher than expected, especially when Tim Wellens pushed the pace, but I had good enough legs to follow Pogačar attacks. To beat him today is something special.”
The Dutchman also highlighted his tactical preparation, revealing that his sprint strategy had been planned in advance. “I knew from the winter that 300 meters was the key point to launch my sprint, and it worked perfectly. Every Monument is special, but the way this race played out makes me incredibly proud. It was an emotional finish because of how hard the race was.”
Runner-up Filippo Ganna praised his team’s efforts, acknowledging that he had given everything in pursuit of victory. “I’m really happy with my performance today. The team was fantastic, and I did my best to stay with Mathieu and Tadej. On the Poggio, I tried to manage my effort and push my limits. I closed my eyes and went full gas on the descent to catch them. There was nothing more I could do today, but I’ll come back next year and try again.”
Tadej Pogačar, who once again animated the race with his relentless aggression, accepted his third-place finish with grace. “We executed our plan perfectly,” he said. “The team was amazing, and I gave it my all. I attacked on the Cipressa and knew it would be ambitious to go solo. The group we had—Mathieu, Pippo, and myself—was very strong. I tried again on the Poggio, but Mathieu was simply the best today. We all had the same idea to start the sprint from 300 meters, but with a bit of tailwind, Via Roma is incredibly fast. He had the legs. Chapeau to him. I’ll be back for more next year.”
A Historic Victory
Van der Poel’s triumph marks a significant moment in cycling history. Alpecin-Deceuninck becomes the first team to win three consecutive Milano-Sanremo titles since Molteni’s legendary run from 1970 to 1972, led by Michele Dancelli and the great Eddy Merckx.
This win also breaks a seventeen-year streak of different winners, as Van der Poel becomes the first repeat champion since the early 2000s. In another statistical milestone, this was the first time since 1996 that the winning move was initiated on the Cipressa climb.
For Italy, Filippo Ganna’s presence on the podium is significant, as he remains the country’s only rider to feature in the Milano-Sanremo top three since Vincenzo Nibali’s last victory in 2018. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar continues his impressive consistency, securing a fourth consecutive top-five finish in La Primavera since 2022.
Looking Ahead
With the first Monument of the year in the books, the cycling world now turns its attention to the cobbled classics and the Grand Tours ahead. For Van der Poel, this victory cements his reputation as a true all-rounder, capable of winning across different terrains and disciplines.
As the sun sets over Sanremo, one thing is clear: Mathieu van der Poel is not just a champion—he is the King of the Kings.
