Mathieu van der Poel has emerged victorious at the 116th edition of Milano-Sanremo 2025, triumphing in a thrilling sprint against Filippo Ganna and Tadej Pogacar on March 22. The race, a prestigious monument in cycling, unfolded with intense drama and strategic maneuvering, particularly on the climbs of Cipressa and Poggio.
In this year's edition, eight riders formed a breakaway early on, with Italians dominating the group, including Martin Marcellusi and Filippo Turconi from VF Group - Bardiani CSF - Faizanè, Tommaso Nencini, Kristian Sbaragli, and Mark Stewart from Team Solution Tech - Vini Fantini, as well as others. Though the breakaway's gap swelled to a five-minute lead, the peloton, led by INEOS Grenadiers, quickly began to reel them in, cutting the gap to 3:40 with 100 kilometers left.
As the race approached the critical final 60 kilometers, Geraint Thomas of INEOS Grenadiers took control, helping narrow the lead significantly. By the time the riders tackled Capo Mele, the break was only ahead by 2:35. The pressure intensified on the climbs, with the break splitting under challenge—Marcellusi once again establishing a solo lead as Pogacar's aggressive strategy began to unfold.
At 24.6 kilometers from the finish, Pogacar made a decisive move, igniting what would become a tight three-way battle as Van der Poel and Ganna managed to keep pace. The summit of Cipressa saw Van der Poel spring into action, attempting to capitalize on Pogacar’s tactics. As the race transitioned into the Poggio, the tension built.
With the finish line in sight on Via Roma, all three riders engaged in an intense sprint in front of eager spectators, showcasing the pinnacle of competitive cycling. Van der Poel, drawing on his strength and tactical know-how, launched a powerful surge that ultimately earned him the win over Ganna and Pogacar.
"I'm happy with this victory. It was an incredible edition: the three of us were together until the end, truly an emotion that I will remember for a long time," expressed Van der Poel, still savoring the moment of triumph.
Filippo Ganna, who finished in second place, echoed a theme of respect for his rivals, saying, "I gave it my all, fighting against two phenomena. I know that there have been champions who have needed even fourteen years to win the Milan-Sanremo: I got on the podium today and I'm satisfied." His performance was particularly notable given his stature as a record six-time pursuit champion.
Pogacar, initially favored to clinch victory, gave a nod to his competitors, expressing, "A day that started with wind and rain turned into a beautiful afternoon, even if in the sprint, I could do very little against faster riders than me like Mathieu and Pippo." Reflecting on the race, he lamented, "It’s a shame that the Poggio let it no longer be long and steep.”
As the dust settled, it became clear that this year's Milano-Sanremo was not only a test of physical prowess but of strategic acumen as well. After completing the race in a time of 6h 22m 53s, with an average speed of 45.288 km/h, Van der Poel's victory marks an exceptional start to his season. The team showcased their dominance with a consistent performance, claiming their third Milan-Sanremo title in a row.
For Ganna and Pogacar, despite their podium finishes, the hunger for victory remains. Ganna's striking 1.93-meter frame and weight played a role in his performance, forcing him to regain contact after being dropped, demonstrating remarkable tenacity. He stated afterward, "I fought all the way to the finish line, gave it absolutely everything... I hope to still win in that sprint, but I had nothing left. In the end, it was a great day." His desire to clinch this title in the future is clear.
This year’s race encapsulated the spirit of cycling—physical endurance, strategic thinking, and competitive camaraderie. With Van der Poel now basking in the glory of victory, all three riders look ahead to future competitions, determined to elevate their legacies in the world of cycling.
