“On the Cipressa I felt I wasn’t at my best” – Mathieu van der Poel left frustrated after crash disrupts Milano-Sanremo bid
Mathieu van der Poel admitted disappointment after his hopes at Milano-Sanremo were derailed by a crash and an untimely dip in form, leaving the Dutch rider reflecting on what might have been. Speaking after the race, van der Poel pointed to the decisive moments on the Cipressa climb, where he felt he lacked his usual sharpness.
“On the Cipressa I felt I wasn’t at my best,” he said, acknowledging that the early signs of struggle made it difficult to position himself for a winning move later in the race. The climb, often a launchpad for decisive attacks, instead exposed his limitations on the day.
Van der Poel’s challenge was further complicated by a crash that disrupted his rhythm and forced him to expend valuable energy chasing back. Although he managed to rejoin the peloton, the effort appeared to take its toll as the race approached its critical finale.
Known for his explosive power and tactical instinct, van der Poel had been considered one of the favorites heading into the Monument. However, the combination of the crash and less-than-optimal condition ultimately left him unable to contest the decisive moves on the Poggio.
Despite the setback, van der Poel remained composed, emphasizing that such moments are part of cycling. He noted that while the result was frustrating, the experience would serve as motivation for upcoming races.
Milano-Sanremo once again proved unpredictable, with narrow margins and split-second incidents shaping the outcome. For van der Poel, the race ended not with a triumphant attack but with a sense of unfinished business—one he will likely aim to settle in future editions.
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