Pogacar’s Milano-Sanremo Challenge: What’s Missing for Monument Glory?
Pogacar dominates stage racing, but Milano–Sanremo remains unsolved — exposing the limits of power in cycling’s most elusive Monument.
Allez TL;DR
Tadej Pogacar dominates the grand tours but Milano-Sanremo remains elusive. We break down why, what’s next for him, and the other seismic storylines poised to shape 2026.
Story
Tadej Pogacar has rewritten the script on stage racing, conquering multiple Grand Tours with a blend of tactical savvy, unparalleled power, and a killer finishing kick. Yet the longest Monument, Milano-Sanremo, stubbornly slips through his fingers. It’s not for lack of trying; Pogacar has come tantalizingly close, but the unique demands of the almost 300km race and the intricate finale roofed by the Poggio climb present a puzzle not yet solved.
Why does this matter? Because winning Milano-Sanremo would complete his Monument set and cement his status as a rider who truly transcends specializations. Unlike the punchier Liège or the steep climbs of Lombardy, Milano-Sanremo blends endurance with tactical nous and a classic sprinter’s showdown. Pogacar’s pursuit forces us to ask if a stage-racing prodigy can master the subtleties of one-day Monument chaos or if the sport’s fragmentation into specialists will hold firm.
The new season also raises a fresh slate of queries: which young talents will rise amid shifting team dynamics? Can anyone challenge Pogacar’s growing stranglehold on the calendar? And how will evolving race routes or team strategies rewrite the classics’ playbook? The cycling tapestry in 2026 promises intrigue far beyond Pogacar’s journey.
Why it matters
Pogacar’s elusive Milano-Sanremo win symbolizes deeper shifts in professional cycling: the clash between all-rounders and specialists, the physical and tactical demands across different race formats, and the legacy that defines a generation. Watching him chase this prize isn’t just about one race – it’s a lens on how the sport’s top talents adapt, evolve and push traditional boundaries in pursuit of greatness.
What to watch next
The spring classics season will reveal whether Pogacar cracks the code or if new contenders seize the moment in his stead.
The chase is on. The Poggio waits. Allez!