“That’s His Biggest Chance”: The Confession from One of Van der Poel’s Domestiques That May Give Hope to Pogacar at Milano-Sanremo
In the world of professional cycling, the Classics and Grand Tours are often the battlegrounds where legends are forged and rivalries are intensified. Among these, Milano-Sanremo stands out as the longest and one of the most prestigious one-day races, often decided by a razor-thin margin. The 2024 edition of Milano-Sanremo was no exception, with unforeseen developments and strategic revelations that could alter the course of future races.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this race was a candid confession from a domestique serving Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch superstar and current favorite, which has sent ripples through the peloton and given a glimmer of hope to Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian prodigy and former Tour de France winner.
The Context: A Race of Tactics and Endurance
Milano-Sanremo, often dubbed “La Classicissima,” is renowned for its length—about 300 kilometers—and its unpredictable nature. The race demands a blend of endurance, tactical acumen, and explosive power, especially on the iconic climbs like the Cipressa and Poggio di Sanremo. Traditionally, the race culminates in a sprint from a reduced group, but in recent years, aggressive attacks and strategic breakaways have increasingly influenced the outcome.
In 2024, Van der Poel entered the race with high expectations, aiming to secure his second victory in Sanremo. Known for his versatility, he was perceived as one of the few riders capable of launching a decisive move on the Poggio or surviving the final sprint. However, as the race unfolded, a surprising revelation emerged that could shift the narrative.
The Confession: An Inside Look from Van der Poel’s Domestique
After the race, during a candid interview, one of Van der Poel’s domestiques, who requested anonymity, shared a revealing insight. The rider indicated that during the critical moments before the Poggio, Van der Poel was instructed to control the pace and avoid unnecessary attacks, with the primary goal of setting up a sprint or a late attack for himself. However, in a moment of vulnerability or perhaps strategic misjudgment, Van der Poel confided in his domestique that he felt “the best move to win was to attack earlier and force others to chase.”
The domestique, speaking under condition of anonymity, added:
*”Mathieu told us that he saw an opening on the Cipressa, and he knew that if he attacked there, he could split the group and maybe catch the others off guard. But the team management was cautious, and he was told to stay controlled. Still, I could see he was itching to go—he knew this was his biggest chance.”*
This seemingly small revelation is significant because it suggests that Van der Poel himself believed that the race was there for the taking if he had committed earlier. His hesitation or adherence to team orders might have cost him a shot at victory, but it also highlights the tactical complexity of Sanremo.
The Impact on Pogacar: A Beacon of Hope
Tadej Pogacar, currently considered one of the most talented and aggressive riders of his generation, watched the race unfold with keen interest. Though he finished outside the top spots, the race’s dynamics and the confession from Van der Poel’s domestique have given him renewed hope.
Pogacar has long been regarded as a potential successor to the classics crown, combining explosive power with tactical intelligence. His performances in races like Strade Bianche and Il Lombardia have demonstrated his capability to challenge the sprinter-heavy finishes of Sanremo. The revelation about Van der Poel’s potential missed opportunity underscores that the race was there to be won, and that the control and timing of attacks are crucial.
Moreover, Pogacar’s team director, after analyzing the race, acknowledged that the race’s decisive moments could have gone differently if Van der Poel or other favorites had taken different tactical routes. This opens the door for Pogacar to consider more aggressive strategies in future editions, focusing on early or mid-race attacks rather than waiting for a sprint finish.
The Strategic Lessons from Sanremo
The confession sheds light on several key tactical lessons for future editions of Milano-Sanremo:
1. **Timing Is Everything:** The decision to attack early on the Cipressa or Poggio can dramatically alter the race. Van der Poel’s hesitation suggests that riders need to seize opportunities when they arise, rather than waiting for the traditional sprint.
2. **Team Dynamics and Orders:** Sometimes, team directives to control the race or protect a sprinter can inadvertently prevent decisive moves. Flexibility and rider instinct are crucial, especially in unpredictable races like Sanremo.
3. **Psychological Edge:** Confidence and willingness to take risks can be the difference between victory and defeat. Van der Poel’s own admission indicates that self-belief and strategic boldness are vital.
4. **The Element of Surprise:** Attacking when others expect a sprint can catch rivals off guard. Pogacar has demonstrated this in the past, and the Sanremo revelation encourages him to adopt such tactics.
What Does This Mean for Pogacar’s Future?
While Pogacar did not win Sanremo in 2024, the race’s narrative and the internal insights shared by Van der Poel’s domestique serve as a motivational blueprint. They reinforce the idea that aggressive, well-timed attacks can pay dividends, and that even the strongest contenders sometimes hesitate when victory could be within reach.
For Pogacar, this is a reminder that in the peloton, perception and timing are everything. His team can now strategize around the lessons learned, perhaps preparing to launch earlier attacks, test rivals’ defenses, and capitalize on moments of vulnerability.
Furthermore, this revelation could influence how other teams approach future races—less rigid control, more flexibility, and a willingness to gamble on decisive moves.
The Broader Implications in the Cycling World
This confession also sparks a broader discussion about the nature of racing tactics in the modern peloton. As teams become more strategic, employing data analytics, power metrics, and psychological warfare, the element of spontaneity and instinct remains vital. Van der Poel’s inner conflict and subsequent revelation remind fans and analysts that behind every race are human decisions, fears, and opportunities.
It also emphasizes the importance of team dynamics. While individual talent is crucial, the collective strategy and the ability to adapt on the fly often determine the outcome.
Conclusion: A Race That Keeps Giving
Milano-Sanremo 2024 will be remembered not just for its dramatic finish but also for the insights it provided into the minds of the world’s best cyclists. Van der Poel’s domestique’s candid confession has opened a window into the internal deliberations that influence race outcomes, and it has restored hope for riders like Pogacar who aspire to conquer the longest and most unpredictable one-day race.
As cycling continues to evolve, stories like these remind us that victory often hinges on a combination of physical prowess, strategic daring, and psychological resilience. For Pogacar, the lesson is clear: sometimes, the biggest chance is the one you take early and decisively.
