Jasper Philipsen: 'Pogacar has changed Milan-Sanremo' as sprint chances fade

Two years on from his own victory, Philipsen heads back to La Primavera with a clear understanding of where he stands in the current pecking order.

“Because of the dominance of Tadej Pogačar, Milan-Sanremo has become a slightly different race,” Philipsen said to Wielerflits. “In the past, riders didn’t stand out like he and Mathieu van der Poel do now. The fact they can really make the difference, already from the Cipressa, changes the dynamic of the race.”

Philipsen arrives in Italy with renewed confidence after finally opening his account for the season at Nokere Koerse, a result that came as a relief after a run of near misses. The timing helps, even if the nature of Milan-Sanremo leaves little room for certainty.

“I was in good shape in Tirreno-Adriatico, but following those guys on climbs like the Poggio or Cipressa is another story,” he said. “I think they just have to let their legs do the talking. Mathieu has a very good chance to win again.”

Rather than chasing the decisive moves, Philipsen is realistic about his role. “I’ll try to ride from the second line,” he said. “After the climbs, it’s about seeing which group I’m in and what we’re still racing for.”

It is a pragmatic outlook from a former winner who knows how narrow that window has become, even if he is not ruling himself out.

“There is always a chance,” he said. “Nine times out of ten it’s a lost day, but you still take the kilometres and experience. For every small chance that exists, you have to go there. Milan-Sanremo is too important to skip.”

That opportunity, however slim, depends entirely on how the race unfolds.

“I’ve experienced a scenario where I could win, so it’s definitely possible again if I can get over the climbs well,” he said referring to the 2024 edition. “Otherwise there’s no point going. The chance is small and everything has to fall into place.”

Within Alpecin-Premier Tech, the presence of Van der Poel offers both opportunity and clarity. The Dutchman is free to follow the race defining attacks, while Philipsen prepares for whatever remains behind.

“We have different options, and that’s the strength of our team,” he said. “Mathieu can do his thing on the climbs. I take a more defensive role.”

As for the wider picture, Philipsen sees the race increasingly narrowing towards a familiar duel. “If two riders can go away, it’s them,” he said. “I don’t think many others can do that. Maybe someone like Filippo Ganna on a very good day, like last year.”

And among the contenders lurking just behind, one name stands out. “I saw in Tirreno-Adriatico that Wout van Aert looked strong,” Philipsen added. “I think he’ll be close.”