The words of Tadej Pogačar after Milano-Sanremo: “When I crashed, I thought…”

The key moment of the day, however, can only be that crash, which seemed like it might unfortunately decide the Milano-Sanremo 2026. Here are Pogačar’s words after the finish, as reported by SpazioCiclismo:

ON THE CRASH – “When I crashed, I initially thought it was over since it happened right before the most important moment. But I got back on the bike quickly, without major issues for me or the bike. I saw my teammates Florian and Felix giving everything to bring me back, and they gave me hope again. My legs were still good, then Brandon and Isaac did a great job. Without the team, I probably would have just ridden to the finish without doing the climb.”

ON CIPRESSA AND POGGIO – “It wasn’t ideal wind. The climb was harder in the middle section. Then on the Poggio the wind was better. I gave everything there—I hoped to go solo, but Pidcock was incredibly strong. Chapeau also to Mathieu van der Poel, who had a great race. I was also a bit lucky in the sprint.”

ON PIDCOCK – “Tom is very fast—we know he’s explosive and he was in great shape. I was a bit worried when he made me take the front. I waited as long as possible, but I knew I couldn’t wait too long because he’s more explosive than me. In the end, I managed it, even if just by a little. But he was incredibly strong.”