Pogacar and van der Poel Favorites for Milan-San Remo as Jasper Philipsen Aims for Back-to-Back Win

As the cycling world gears up for the iconic Milan-San Remo, all eyes are on Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel, who emerge as the leading contenders to claim the prestigious title

The race, set to take place on March 22nd, will see the return of defending champion Jasper Philipsen, who is poised to make history by attempting to secure consecutive victories.

Milan-San Remo, affectionately known as "La Primavera," has a storied history of thrilling finishes and unexpected outcomes. While the spotlight shines on familiar faces like Pogacar, Van der Poel, and Mads Pedersen, the race could also favor dark horses such as Filippo Ganna, who showcased his prowess with a strong showing at Tirreno-Adriatico. Notably, Philipsen himself is eager to prove that he can defy the odds and win again.

Statistically, the challenge is daunting. The last rider to win Milan-San Remo in back-to-back years was Rick Zabel, who achieved this feat in 2000 and 2001. Since then, sprint victories in the race have become increasingly rare; the last sprinter to triumph in a bunch finish was Arnaud Démare in 2016. This trend raises the stakes for the peloton, as they navigate the treacherous terrain leading to the iconic finish on Via Roma.

In recent editions, the Poggio has proven to be a pivotal point in the race. Last year, Pogacar launched relentless attacks on the ascent, but despite his efforts, he could not break away decisively. He reached the summit alongside Van der Poel, with Philipsen and a select group of riders close behind. The descent became a tactical battleground, with Van der Poel sacrificing his own chances to lead Philipsen to victory.

The previous two editions were marked by bold solo performances from Van der Poel and Matej Mohoric, both of whom executed daring descents off the Poggio, leaving the peloton scrambling in their wake. For Pogacar, the race has become somewhat of an obsession. Since his debut in 2020, the three-time Tour de France winner has raced La Primavera five times, consistently seeking to make his mark with attacks on the Poggio, albeit without the desired success. This year, he may consider a different strategy by targeting the Cipressa climb, though the timing could be critical.

Should the race culminate in a bunch sprint on Via Roma, emerging talents such as Olav Kooij, Jonathan Milan, and the ever-reliable Philipsen could prove formidable. Kooij and Milan demonstrated exceptional form during Tirreno-Adriatico, with Kooij claiming one stage and Milan securing two. Ganna also impressed, winning the time trial and finishing third overall, which could bode well for his chances in Milan-San Remo, where he previously finished third.

As the countdown to Milan-San Remo continues, the cycling community eagerly anticipates a race filled with strategy, grit, and the indomitable spirit of competition. With a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, this year’s edition promises to be a spectacle.

2025 Milan San Remo Odds on Favorites

The Milan-San Remo, known as "La Primavera," is set to take place on March 22, 2025, and promises to be an exhilarating showdown among the sport's elite. The odds released today highlight the top competitors who are expected to battle it out on the iconic Italian route.

Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has captured the attention of fans and experts alike with his remarkable performance at the recent Strade Bianchi. Despite a crash during the race, Pogacar demonstrated his resilience by chasing down Tom Pidcock and securing yet another victory. While his odds stand at 3.25, there are whispers that the challenging terrain of Milan-San Remo may not play to his strengths, as the race often culminates in a sprint finish.

"Just when you thought he could not get any better, Pogacar took his game to another level when winning Strade Bianchi," said an ASO spokesperson. "However, the unique demands of Milan-San Remo could present challenges for him."

Mathieu Van Der Poel, the reigning champion of the Milan-San Remo, is positioned as the second favorite at 5.00. Having missed the Strade Bianchi, his presence in the upcoming race is eagerly anticipated. "It has been said that Strade Bianchi would have been a different race had Van Der Poel been there," the spokesperson added, hinting at the potential rivalry between the two cycling giants.

Jasper Philipsen, who made headlines last year by out-sprinting Pogacar to claim victory in Milan-San Remo, is currently listed at 6.00. After a strong start to the 2025 season, including a win at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, Philipsen is poised to defend his title and could very well be a significant contender once again.

Mads Pedersen, now available at 7.00, has gained momentum following an impressive performance at Paris-Nice. His ability to maintain pace on the challenging climbs, coupled with a powerful sprint, makes him a formidable opponent in the race for the prestigious title.

Tom Pidcock, who recently switched to Q36.5, is seen as a dark horse with odds at 21.00. His strong showing at Strade Bianchi, where he finished second to Pogacar, has raised expectations. If he can navigate the climbs effectively, Pidcock possesses the skills to potentially upset the favorites.

The full list of odds for the 2025 Milan-San Remo is as follows:

Tadej Pogacar: 3.25
Mathieu Van Der Poel: 5.00
Jasper Philipsen: 6.00
Mads Pedersen: 7.00
Filippo Ganna: 11.00
Tom Pidcock: 21.00
Matej Mohoric: 23.00