Dramatic First Victory After 298km Epic

World Champion Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates) won the Milano-Sanremo one-day race held in Italy on March 22 (local time), claiming his fourth title among cycling's five Monuments.

Pogačar crossed the finish line with a narrow margin over Tom Pidcock (Great Britain, Ineos Grenadiers) in a two-man sprint on the Via Roma section at the end of the 298km race. With this victory, Pogačar has now conquered Milano-Sanremo along with Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia, expanding his Monument collection.

Unwavering Focus Despite Crash

The victory did not come easily. Pogačar was caught in a multi-rider crash approximately 30km from the finish line. Rising bloodied with torn shorts, Pogačar returned to the leading group with dedicated assistance from his teammates.

Pogačar launched his attack on the Cipressa climb and successfully dropped defending champion Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands, Alpecin-Deceuninck) on the Poggio ascent. The two riders who broke away together engaged in a tense battle until the very end, with Pogačar gaining the upper hand by the slimmest of margins.

Just One Monument Away from Complete Sweep

With this victory, Pogačar has moved one step closer to one of cycling's most exclusive achievements. Only Paris-Roubaix remains between him and a complete sweep of the five Monuments.

If he conquers Paris-Roubaix, Pogačar will join the legendary Eddy Merckx in the ultra-exclusive group of riders who have achieved a complete Monument sweep. Merckx conquered all Monument races in the 1960s-70s and is regarded as the greatest rider in cycling history.

The 25-year-old Pogačar already holds three Tour de France victories, one Giro d'Italia victory, and a World Championship title, and a Paris-Roubaix conquest would further cement his position as the greatest all-rounder of the current generation.