The first Monument of the year, Milan-San Remo, has started with a flurry of attacks. Novi Nordisk launched the first attack as racing began. Ineos Grenadiers believe Josh Tarling could be a contender, adding another option alongside Filippo Ganna.
Early Breakaway and Tactical Theories
An initial breakaway formed featuring riders from Bardiani CSF-7 Saber, Novo Nordisk, and Polti-VisitMalta, as well as Matthew Dinham (Picnic-PostNL). The breakaway then took a wrong turn. After the bizarre moment involving a roundabout, a new breakaway began to form.
Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech) went to the front. Johan Jacobs (Groupama-FDJ United) and Axel Laurance (Ineos Grenadiers) also went clear. Lidl-Trek and Soudal-QuickStep were also towards the front.
Rival team sports directors are considering UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s tactics. There are theories on what the new tactics will be for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
Pogačar’s Plans and Mind Games
Tadej Pogačar teased a possible attack on the Passo del Turchino. However, it is unconfirmed whether he is joking. “The Turchino is a nice climb, no?” Pogačar said.
Mathieu van der Poel agrees with Eddy Merckx, suggesting Pogačar should attack on the Poggio. But it is uncertain whether this is just mind games. Van der Poel stated, “I don’t think Tadej needs to attack on the Cipressa”.
Teams and Riders Prepare
The teams have all signed on for the race and are set for the neutral start. Polti-Visit Malta have a special kit. Ineos Grenadiers see Josh Tarling as a wildcard for Milan-San Remo alongside Filippo Ganna. According to Ineos Grenadiers, “It is fantastic to have one more card to play”.
- Racing begins with attacks from Novi Nordisk
- Ineos Grenadiers have multiple options, including Josh Tarling
- Pogačar’s tactics are a point of discussion
The peloton has settled as riders take natural breaks. Dillier’s early effort saw him joined by Jacobs and Laurance, but the peloton were not ready to follow his pacing. He settles in for his yearly monster ride on the front of the peloton.