All eyes turn to Mathieu Van Der Poel at shortened Milan-San Remo

Dutchman aims to defend his title as he makes his season debut at the shortened – but still very, very long – race?

Mathieu Van Der Poel wins the 2023 Milan-San Remo
(Image credit: Getty Images / Marco Bertorello)

Milan-San Remo begins in Pavia for the first time this year, as the race is not allowed in Milan itself any more, but it is still the longest Monument, the same gruelling 288 kilometres leading into the Via Roma in San Remo after the ascents of the Cipressa followed by the Poggio, the race’s final climb. 

Judging by Tadej Pogačar’s form and bravery at Strade Bianche earlier in March, it might be an atypical edition, with attacks from far out traditionally failing. However, if the Slovenian is on form, tradition could be turned on its head. 

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Tom Thewlis
News and Features Writer

After previously working in higher education, Tom joined Cycling Weekly in 2022 and hasn't looked back. He's been covering professional cycling ever since; reporting on the ground from some of the sport's biggest races and events, including the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix and the World Championships. His earliest memory of a bike race is watching the Tour on holiday in the early 2000's in the south of France - he even made it on to the podium in Pau afterwards. His favourite place that cycling has taken him is Montréal in Canada.