Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy, has finally triumphed at the Milán-San Remo, securing his fourth Monument victory and elevating his total Monument wins to eleven. With this achievement, only the prestigious Paris-Roubaix remains to complete his set of all five Monuments, a feat that cements a rider’s legendary status in the sport. Remarkably, Pogacar came close to conquering Paris-Roubaix last year, finishing second in his debut appearance, signaling that the elusive title is well within his grasp and physical capabilities.
Monument Victories and Career Milestones
Before adding Milán-San Remo to his palmarès, Pogacar had already established dominance in three other Monument classics. He claimed the Tour of Flanders twice, demonstrated unmatched consistency by winning the Liège-Bastogne-Liège three times, and conquered the Giro di Lombardia on five occasions. Among these, Milán-San Remo was the one Monument that had persistently eluded him, primarily due to its less selective course profile, which often complicates efforts to create decisive gaps. Despite two consecutive podium finishes in this race, the victory had remained just out of reach—until now.
His recent success not only completes a collection that many riders only dream of but also highlights his versatility across varying race profiles and terrains. The Milán-San Remo, often referred to as “La Classicissima,” is renowned for its length and tactical complexity, demanding a blend of endurance, speed, and strategic acumen. Pogacar’s ability to finally master this race reflects his evolution as a cyclist and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Having conquered four of the five Monument races, Pogacar’s ambition now turns fully toward Paris-Roubaix, the “Hell of the North,” known for its punishing cobbled sectors and grueling conditions. His near victory in his inaugural participation last year serves as a testament to his potential to add this final Monument to his distinguished résumé.