‘On the Cipressa we have to fly’ – Vermeersch outlines UAE’s plan for Pogacar to conquer Milan-Sanremo

With key riders Jhonathan Narváez and Tim Wellens sidelined through injury, UAE have been forced to adjust their plans for La Primavera. Vermeersch steps in as part of that reshuffle and spoke to HLN about his role heading into the race.

“I’ve only ridden Sanremo once, and on Friday I went to Italy on my own to get the approach with the Capi firmly in my head again,” Vermeersch said.

While he did not go into full detail about the team’s tactics, he made clear where his responsibility lies. “I can’t reveal our tactics, but I’m not giving away any big secrets when I say my role involves guiding Tadej and the climbers into a good position over the first Capi and towards the foot of the Cipressa. After that, it’s up to our climbing train to fly.”

Despite missing both Wellens and Narváez, Vermeersch does not believe UAE are lacking in strength. Riders such as Jan Christen and Isaac del Toro are expected to take on bigger roles in the finale.

“In terms of horsepower, I don’t think we fall short of last year’s selection. We don’t need to stand on the start line with any less confidence,” he said.

Wind conditions are also expected to play a key role, with Vermeersch hoping for a tailwind to make the race more selective. “If you want to make the race hard, a tailwind is perfect because riders in the wheel have less of an advantage. Maybe it will turn in the right direction,” he added.

After Pogačar's explosive effort on the Cipressa last year, where he clocked 8:59, Vermeersch believes the Slovenian could go even faster this time around. Pogačar has already been spotted training on the climb in recent days.

“It’s very possible,” Vermeersch said. “We’ll do everything to get Tadej into a good position, and then his legs and our tactics will do the talking. All I can say is that I’ve trained with Tadej a few times this week and he’s really fired up.”