As the 2025 cycling season gains momentum, UAE Team Emirates-XRG arrives at Milano-Sanremo with one goal: victory. Led by their superstar Tadej Pogacar, the team is eager to claim the first Monument of the year. Pogacar, fresh off a dominant win at Strade Bianche, has his sights set on conquering one of the few races that have eluded him.
Despite being one of the most dominant riders of his generation, Pogacar has yet to win Milano-Sanremo. He has come close in previous attempts, launching aggressive attacks on the Poggio climb, but has always been caught before the finish. This year, UAE Team Emirates-XRG is determined to change that, bringing a strong squad and a tactical plan designed to break the race apart.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG: A Cycling Superpower
UAE Team Emirates-XRG has risen to the top of professional cycling, boasting one of the strongest rosters in the peloton. With significant financial backing and a focus on both Grand Tours and Classics, the team has become a dominant force in recent years.
At the heart of their success is Tadej Pogacar, a three-time Tour de France champion and winner of multiple Monuments. However, Pogacar is not the only weapon in their arsenal. For Milano-Sanremo, the team has assembled a well-rounded squad designed to control the race and support Pogacar in the crucial final moments.
Tim Wellens brings experience and endurance, crucial for the nearly 300-kilometer battle. Jhonatan Narvaez, a powerful one-day specialist, adds firepower for the decisive attacks. The team’s aggressive racing style will be key in shaking off sprinters and setting up Pogacar for a winning move.
The Unique Challenge of Milano-Sanremo
Milano-Sanremo, known as La Classicissima di Primavera, is one of cycling’s most prestigious races. At 289 kilometers, it is the longest one-day race on the calendar, testing both endurance and racecraft.
Unlike cobbled races like Paris-Roubaix or mountain-heavy Monuments like Il Lombardia, Milano-Sanremo is defined by its explosive finale. The first 250 kilometers are largely controlled by the peloton, with breakaway riders trying to gain an advantage. However, everything changes in the final 30 kilometers, where the real battle begins.
The Cipressa (5.6 km at 4.1%) is the first key climb, forcing teams to position their leaders. But the defining moment of the race comes on the Poggio (3.7 km at 3.8%), the climb where attacks are launched and champions are made.
The challenge for Pogacar is that the Poggio is not steep enough to fully suit his climbing abilities. In previous editions, he has attacked there but been unable to break free before the technical descent into Sanremo. This year, UAE Team Emirates-XRG may look to change tactics, potentially forcing an earlier attack on the Cipressa.
Pogacar’s Frustration and Determination
Pogacar has been vocal about his struggles at Milano-Sanremo, calling it the race that has tormented him the most. His climbing skills and attacking style are perfect for breaking rivals, but the race’s structure has made it difficult for him to secure victory.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 edition, Pogacar said:
“I was back on the bike already on Monday after Strade Bianche and had a couple of easier days. Naturally, I was a bit stiff and sore, but thankfully I’m feeling good again now. We’re coming into a really exciting period of racing, and I’m feeling ready for Milano-Sanremo. I know the final of the parcours really well by now, and we’ll hope to light up the race on Saturday. Can we win? For sure, it won’t be easy, but we will give it a good shot.”
His words highlight both his frustration and determination. He knows he has the ability to win, but finding the right tactical approach has been a challenge. If he can finally master Milano-Sanremo, it will be another crowning achievement in his legendary career.
The Biggest Rivals to UAE Team Emirates-XRG
Milano-Sanremo is one of the most unpredictable races, with a mix of sprinters, classics specialists, and all-rounders all having a chance to win. This year’s edition features a stacked field, with multiple riders capable of challenging Pogacar.
Defending champion Jasper Philipsen leads the charge for Alpecin-Deceuninck. One of the best sprinters in the world, Philipsen proved last year that he can handle the climbs and still deliver a winning sprint. If he makes it over the Poggio in the front group, he will be the favorite.
Mathieu van der Poel, Philipsen’s teammate and a former World Champion, is another serious contender. He has the explosiveness to match Pogacar’s attacks and the power to win a reduced sprint. If he finds himself in the final selection, he will be a major threat.
Italy’s Jonathan Milan is another name to watch. The powerful sprinter has been in flying form, winning five stages already this season. A victory in Sanremo would be the perfect way to cap off his incredible start to 2025.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Winning Strategy
To win Milano-Sanremo, UAE Team Emirates-XRG must execute a perfect race. The key to victory will be making the race as hard as possible before the Poggio, reducing the chances of a sprinter surviving to the finish.
One possible approach is attacking on the Cipressa. If Pogacar or one of his teammates can break away early, they may force other teams to chase, tiring out the fast finishers. If the race remains together until the Poggio, Pogacar will need to go all-in on his attack and descend aggressively to hold off the chasing pack.
The team’s main goal is to prevent a sprint finish. If the likes of Philipsen or Milan are still in contention at the end, UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s chances will drop significantly.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG Confident of Milano-Sanremo Success
As the peloton rolls out from Pavia for the start of Milano-Sanremo, UAE Team Emirates-XRG stands poised for a breakthrough victory. With Pogacar in peak form and a well-balanced team ready to support him, confidence is high within the squad.
The team has refined its strategy, learning from past editions to maximize their chances. With an aggressive approach on the Cipressa and Poggio, they aim to create the perfect scenario for Pogacar to power to the finish line. Their depth in talent, combined with Pogacar’s relentless determination, makes them one of the strongest contenders for the title.
If everything falls into place, this could be the year that UAE Team Emirates-XRG celebrates a historic Milano-Sanremo victory, cementing their dominance in the 2025 cycling season.
