A Monumental Victory for Van der Poel

In a spectacular display of strength and strategy, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) secured his second Milan-San Remo title, edging out Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) and Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) in a heart-stopping finale. The 289km race, the first Monument of the 2025 season, lived up to its prestige with non-stop action and a nail-biting three-man sprint.

Key Moments of the Race

• Pogacar's Attack: The Slovenian launched a devastating move on the Cipressa climb, but only Van der Poel and Ganna could respond.
• Final Climb Drama: Van der Poel and Pogacar traded attacks on the Poggio, but Ganna bridged back to set up the sprint.
• Perfect Timing: Van der Poel launched his sprint at 300m, using his raw power to hold off Ganna (2nd) and Pogacar (3rd).

Historic Achievement

With this win, Van der Poel ties Pogacar with seven Monument victories, joining legends like Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara. He’s also the first multi-time Milan-San Remo winner since Oscar Freire (2010).

Women’s Race: Wiebes Triumphs in Return

The women’s race, revived after a 20-year hiatus, saw Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) outsprint Marianne Vos and Noemi Ruegg after a tactical battle, with Elisa Longo Borghini’s late attack almost stealing the win.

Final Podiums

Men’s Top 3:

1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned)
2. Filippo Ganna (Ita)
3. Tadej Pogacar (Slo)

Women’s Top 3:

1. Lorena Wiebes (Ned)
2. Marianne Vos (Ned)
3. Noemi Ruegg (Swi)

"I surprised them with my sprint—it was the perfect tactic," said Van der Poel, cementing his status as cycling’s most versatile rider.