Tadej Pogacar reveals where he aims to launch attack at Milano-Sanremo – ‘We hope for good legs’
The UAE Team Emirates rider was open about his plans pre-race, as he goes up against Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) in the Dutchman’s first road appearance of the season.
“The distance of solo is ideal, 10 times less,” Pogacar told Eurosport, referring to the eight kilometres that stand between the bottom of the famed Poggio climb and the finish, as he hinted at his plans.
Pogacar’s “10 times less” comments referred to the move he made an astonishing 81km from the finish at the recent Strade Bianche, one he made stick all the way to the line to secure a momentous triumph.
“Approximately 10 times less, so around eight or six kilometres to go would be good to go solo, but I think everybody is thinking the same,” the Slovenian added.
Nobody has been able to make an attack on the Cipressa stick since 1996, with riders usually opting to make a last-ditch move on the Poggio, which is the final climb, or towards the finale on the Mediterranean coast.
‘It is such a special one’ – Van der Poel ready for Milano-Sanremo defence
“I think it’s pretty clear that every time we come here as a team like this we try to make it make it hard on Cipressa and on Poggio,” Pogacar said. “So it’s pretty obvious today we’ll try something similar.”
And confirming where he plans to attack, he added: “On Poggio, we’ll try. We hope for good legs.”
Strade Bianche highlights: Pogacar destroys everyone with wild solo attack
Pidcock: There is only one way Tadej can win
Also speaking ahead of the race to Eurosport, Ineos Grenadiers’ Tom Pidcock was asked whether he would be looking to make his own decisive moves on the climbs or the descents near the finale.
“Maybe a bit of both,” the Brit said. “The climb is simple, you need to follow and the end.
“For sure, we know UAE are going to make it as hard as possible, that’s their tactic. I think this is the only way Tadej can win.”
Pidcock has had a turbulent time at the Italian race in recent years and hopes to make amends on Saturday.
Pidcock: There’s only one way Pogacar can win
“At the moment, pretty good,” Pidcock said about how he feels ahead of the race.
“Full of pasta and carbs, so at the moment, good. I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be nice.
“Last year I had a concussion so I couldn’t start, the year before I was sick and didn’t even finish, so I’m looking forward to racing the final today I hope.”
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