Eddy Merckx advises Tadej Pogacar against attacking on Cipressa

Tadej Pogacar will make another attempt to win Milan-San Remo on Saturday. Last year, the Slovenian launched his attack on the Cipressa but couldn’t shake Mathieu van der Poel off. According to seven-time winner Eddy Merckx, the Cipressa is not the best place to attack. So where should it happen? “On the Poggio,” Merckx is clear in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

So, don’t attack on the Cipressa, Merckx advises. “Even if he can drop everyone there – last year only Van der Poel and Ganna could follow – and despite his ability to sustain long breakaways, the chances of getting caught at Milan-San Remo have increased,” says the San Remo winner of 1966, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1975, and 1976. “And if there is a headwind on the Cipressa, it becomes even harder to make the difference. Even if you are Tadej Pogačar.”

Still, Merckx believes this time it could go well for Pogi, who finished twelfth, fifth, fourth, third, and third in his previous appearances. “If… he attacks at the right moment. But the Van der Poel we saw in Tirreno-Adriatico – with two stage wins and more – will not be easy to beat. On the contrary.”

“Tadej will have to drop him because if after 300 kilometers they’re still together on the Via Roma... Mathieu is the favorite. The long distance could also play to the Dutchman’s advantage.”