Jasper Stuyven: There were a lot of fast guys on the Poggio, so I knew I had to go all or nothing
The Belgian overcame the odds to take the biggest victory of his career

Jasper Stuyven says he knew he had to go “all or nothing” to beat an elite group in the final of Milan San-Remo 2021.
The Trek-Segafredo rider triumphed over all the pre-race favourites and some unexpected sprinters with his ambitious solo attack in the final 2km of ‘La Primavera’.
Stuyven, 28, said he realised he needed to try a long range attack as a strong group reached the top of the Poggio together, including Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Caleb Ewan.
Speaking after the victory, the biggest of his career, the Belgian said: "The final was going well, I was there on the Poggio but of course there was a lot of fast guys, so i knew that i had to try all or nothing, which I did.
“If I went to the line I might have finished fifth to 10th place, but I preferred to go all in and end up with empty hands, or go all in and take the biggest victory of my career.”
Heading into the race, all eyes were on Van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix), Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and world champion Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick-Step), as the favourites to take victory on the famous Via Roma.
But despite a stinging attack from Alaphilippe and Van Aert on the final climb of the day, the Poggio, a sizeable group held together on the descent, including bunch sprinter Ewan (Lotto-Soudal).
As the lead group hit the foot of the descent, Stuyven launched his move and was allowed to break free of his rivals, as only Søren Kragh Andersen (Team DSM) was able to bridge across.
After some half-hearted attacks from those behind, Stuyven was able to hold on to take the win with a minimal margin over Caleb Ewan, who led in the rest of the group.
On beating the favourites, Stuyven said: “There were three guys who are really strong, everyone knows, I think everyone talked about it. That didn’t mean we weren’t going to race for the win."
He added: “I felt really good all day. The final was going well.
“I think the boys put me in the perfect position on the important parts of the parcours and I was feeing good, there was a good gap.
“The legs were empty at the end but if you win by one minute or one centimetre it’s enough.”
Milan-San Remo is Stuyven’s first Monument victory and he adds the result to wins in the 2020 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the 2016 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and a stage of the 2015 Vuelta a España.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer to ride Unbound Gravel
Unbound 200 contestants will be joined by a gravel newcomer of note this year. Former Tour de France race leader Jan Bakelants is joining in on the fray.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
POC Ventral Tempus MIPS Review - A helmet for riding in the rain, and being seen
Bright, light and comfortable, but not cheap
By Tyler Boucher • Published
-
‘I couldn’t quite believe it’ - Charlie Quarterman on his rags to riches Giro d’Italia selection
The British rider spent a year at amateur level with Philippe Wagner Cycling before heading back to the top with Corratec
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘Giving up the Giro breaks my heart’ – Trek’s Giulio Ciccone forced out of home tour by Covid symptoms
Italian was relishing leading Trek’s challenge at Giro that starts in his home region
By Peter Cossins • Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to return to racing at Flèche Wallonne, is a possibility for Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Trek-Segafredo finalise roster for Wednesday's Ardennes Classic, with Deignan returning for the first time since 2021
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Lizzie Deignan: 'It’s a shame someone can’t see the value of the Women’s Tour'
The Women’s Tour’s only double winner expresses her disappointment after the cancellation of the 2023 race
By Owen Rogers • Published
-
Analysis: How Mathieu van der Poel won Milan-San Remo
After another exhilarating finish to Milan-San Remo, it’s time to look back at the day and the key tactical moments that defined it
By CyclingMole aka David Hunter • Published
-
'No regrets' for Tadej Pogačar after falling short of Milan-San Remo podium
UAE Team Emirates rider says the best man won on the Via Roma
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Mathieu van der Poel powers to Milan-San Remo victory with explosive Poggio attack
'This was my best level,' says Dutchman after Monument win
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Matej Mohorič not fazed by being marked on Milan-San Remo return
Slovenian says ‘nothing will change’ as he looks to outfox rivals on the Poggio
By Tom Thewlis • Published