'He's got the race sussed and he's got Tadej's number' –Pogačar's UAE management wary of Mathieu van der Poel but out for 'revenge' at Milan-San Remo

UAE Team Emirates management has publicly voiced their apprehension regarding Mathieu van der Poel's form ahead of Milan-Sanremo, stating they've been "waiting for a year for our revenge" against the Dutchman. While acknowledging van der Poel "has the race sussed and has Tadej's number," their focus remains on securing a victory for Tadej Pogačar, who finished fourth last year after van der Poel's dominant solo win. This sets a clear, confrontational tone for the season's first Monument.

This declaration isn't mere pre-race bluster; it underscores the genuine threat van der Poel poses, particularly after his decisive 2023 victory where Pogačar, despite his formidable form, couldn't match the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider's attack on the Poggio. Pogačar's aggressive racing style often finds its limits on Sanremo's unique parcours, which rewards tactical patience and explosive power at the precise moment. UAE's "revenge" narrative suggests a strategic shift or perhaps simply a heightened determination to overcome their most significant rival on a course that has, thus far, eluded their Slovenian superstar.

Ultimately, UAE's public wariness is a thinly veiled challenge. They know van der Poel is the benchmark, and Pogačar's path to a Sanremo title runs directly through him. It's less about fear, more about setting the stage for an inevitable, high-stakes showdown.