'Milan-San Remo is a scary race' – Tadej Pogačar reveals his fears and ambitions for Italian Monument

Tadej Pogačar, leader of UAE Team Emirates, has openly articulated his apprehensions and aspirations regarding Milan-San Remo, famously dubbed 'La Classicissima'. Ahead of the Monument, Pogačar described the race as "scary" due to its unpredictable nature and the specific challenges it presents, while simultaneously reaffirming his ambition to add the Italian classic to his already impressive palmarès. His comments highlight the unique mental and physical demands this particular race places on even the sport's biggest stars.

This declaration from a rider of Pogačar’s calibre is significant. Despite his two Tour de France titles and victories in other Monuments like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia, Milan-San Remo remains elusive. His previous attempts have seen him active but unable to secure the win, often outmanoeuvred in the tactical finale. For a rider accustomed to dominating, this public acknowledgement of fear underscores the race's singular difficulty and the profound respect it commands from the peloton's elite, setting a compelling narrative for his upcoming attempt.

Pogačar's candour offers a rare glimpse into the psyche of a champion confronting one of cycling's most enigmatic tests. It’s a reminder that even for the seemingly invincible, the Poggio and Via Roma still hold their own terrifying mystique.