Tadej Pogacar Isn’t the Only One Targeting Milano-Sanremo in 2025: Magnus Cort Nielsen Reveals Ambitions to Compete in Major One-Day Races
As the world of professional cycling continues to evolve, there is one race that stands above the rest in terms of history, prestige, and the intense competition it attracts: Milano-Sanremo. Known as “La Primavera” (The Spring), this iconic Italian one-day race has witnessed the triumphs of cycling legends and emerging stars alike. For many riders, it represents the pinnacle of their career, the opportunity to prove their mettle in a race that combines speed, strategy, and endurance over nearly 300 kilometers of rolling terrain.
In 2025, Milano-Sanremo promises to be as fiercely contested as ever, with some of the sport’s most formidable riders setting their sights on victory. Among these riders is Tadej Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France champion who has already proven his ability to dominate in the Grand Tours. But Pogacar isn’t the only one looking to make his mark in one of cycling’s most prestigious one-day events. Magnus Cort Nielsen, the Danish rider known for his explosive sprinting and versatility, has publicly declared his ambitions to get involved in the big one-day races, with Milano-Sanremo at the top of his list.
In a candid interview, Cort Nielsen shared his thoughts on the upcoming season and his aspirations for 2025. His remarks have sent ripples through the cycling world, signaling his readiness to take on the challenge of some of the toughest races on the calendar. As he sets his sights on Milano-Sanremo and other major one-day events, Cort Nielsen’s ambition and confidence make him a rider to watch in the coming years.
A New Era of Ambition: Magnus Cort Nielsen’s Path to Milano-Sanremo
Magnus Cort Nielsen, currently riding for EF Education-EasyPost, has built a solid reputation in the world of cycling. Known for his versatility, he has excelled in both stage races and one-day events. His ability to sprint in the closing stages of a race, coupled with his strong climbing skills, has allowed him to secure numerous victories in races such as the Vuelta a España and various one-day events. However, despite his success, there’s one race that has eluded him—the legendary Milano-Sanremo.
The 2025 season represents a new chapter in Cort Nielsen’s career. With his eyes firmly fixed on Milano-Sanremo, he sees the race as an opportunity to showcase his talents on the grandest stage. “I can get involved in the big one-day races,” Cort Nielsen said with a sense of determination. “I’ve always had the ability to perform in different types of races, and I feel like I’m ready to step up in these classic races, especially Milano-Sanremo, which has always been a dream for me.”
Cort Nielsen’s desire to race in Milano-Sanremo comes as no surprise. The Danish rider has long admired the race’s combination of raw power, strategy, and unpredictability. Milano-Sanremo, with its long, grueling course that stretches from Milan to San Remo on the Italian Riviera, is a race that tests every rider’s ability to endure the pain and fatigue that comes with the relentless pace. The key challenge lies in the final 50 kilometers, where the climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio await. These two ascents often make or break a rider’s chances, as they serve as the final hurdle before the descent into San Remo.
For Cort Nielsen, the allure of Milano-Sanremo lies in its sheer difficulty. “It’s one of those races where everything can change in the blink of an eye. The race is so long and unpredictable, and the final climbs always throw up surprises. But it’s a race I want to be part of, and I believe I can be competitive if I prepare properly,” he said. His words reflect his growing confidence in his abilities to contend in such a high-profile event.
A Rider Ready for the Challenge: Magnus Cort Nielsen’s Strengths and Growth
Magnus Cort Nielsen’s career trajectory has been marked by steady progression and adaptability. He first gained attention for his performances in the Grand Tours, particularly in the Vuelta a España, where his ability to win stages in a variety of terrains made him a fan favorite. As a rider, he has always been known for his resilience, capable of bouncing back from setbacks and emerging stronger. But it’s his work on the classics that has recently drawn more attention.
While Cort Nielsen has enjoyed success in stage races, it’s his growing focus on one-day classics that signals a shift in his ambitions. Over the past few seasons, he has demonstrated that he can perform in shorter, more intense races. His ability to sprint in the final kilometers has made him a key contender in events like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, though he has yet to claim victory in these races. Still, his performances have shown that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level in one-day races.
Cort Nielsen’s commitment to targeting Milano-Sanremo is backed by his understanding of the race’s demands. The Danish rider is known for his impressive power-to-weight ratio, making him an ideal candidate for the climbs and fast finishes that characterize many of the sport’s one-day events. His time trial abilities also provide him with a strategic advantage, allowing him to stay in contention over long distances and navigate the technical aspects of a race like Milano-Sanremo. With his all-around skill set, he is more than equipped to handle the challenges that the race will throw at him.
Moreover, Cort Nielsen’s decision to focus on Milano-Sanremo in 2025 reflects his growing maturity as a rider. “The team has been supportive of my ambitions, and I believe that with the right preparation, I can be a factor in these races,” he explained. “I’ve always wanted to target one of the monuments, and Milano-Sanremo is the one that excites me the most.”
Pogacar vs. Cort Nielsen: A Rivalry in the Making
As 2025 approaches, the cycling world is abuzz with the prospect of a thrilling rivalry between Tadej Pogacar and Magnus Cort Nielsen. Pogacar, who has already established himself as one of the sport’s greatest talents with multiple Tour de France victories and impressive performances in the classics, has made no secret of his desire to win Milano-Sanremo. The Slovenian superstar has already demonstrated his ability to excel in one-day races, having won events like Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Il Lombardia. His dominance in the grand tours has made him one of the most formidable riders in the peloton, and his ambitions for the upcoming season include securing victories in both stage races and the iconic one-day races.
Meanwhile, Cort Nielsen’s declaration that he is ready to challenge Pogacar and the other top riders in Milano-Sanremo is a bold one. While Pogacar is already considered one of the best all-rounders in the sport, Cort Nielsen has the potential to disrupt the hierarchy. With his versatility, experience, and growing confidence in his one-day race abilities, he could very well prove to be a serious contender in 2025. If the two riders line up side by side in the final stages of Milano-Sanremo, it would be a clash of generations—Pogacar’s raw talent and hunger for dominance against Cort Nielsen’s resilience and adaptability.
This rivalry is not just a battle between two riders; it’s a reflection of the changing dynamics in professional cycling. The sport is becoming more competitive, with new stars emerging from all corners of the globe, each one eager to make their mark on cycling’s most historic events. Cort Nielsen’s ambition to target Milano-Sanremo in 2025 is a testament to this shift, as he looks to challenge the established hierarchy and prove that he has what it takes to succeed in one of cycling’s toughest races.
The Road to Milano-Sanremo: What’s Next for Magnus Cort Nielsen?
As the 2025 season draws closer, Cort Nielsen’s preparations will intensify. His focus on Milano-Sanremo will require a tailored training plan, one that emphasizes endurance, power, and race tactics. To succeed in a race as demanding as Milano-Sanremo, he will need to hone his climbing skills, build his sprinting capabilities for the final stages, and refine his race strategy to ensure that he is in contention when the decisive moments arrive.
For now, Cort Nielsen’s sights are firmly set on the future, and with the 2025 Milano-Sanremo on the horizon, his ambition is clearer than ever. Whether or not he can break through and claim the victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Magnus Cort Nielsen is a rider on the rise, and the world of cycling will be watching closely as he takes on the challenge of Milano-Sanremo.
As the rivalry between Pogacar and Cort Nielsen develops, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory, with both riders poised to leave their mark on the sport’s most prestigious one-day race. Will it be Pogacar’s dominance or Cort Nielsen’s breakout performance that will reign supreme in Milano-Sanremo? The cycling world eagerly awaits the answer.
