The Pogačar Puzzle: Decoding UAE's San Remo Strategy and Merckx's Wisdom
Cycling’s spring classics are a theater of unpredictability, but this year’s Milan-San Remo feels like a chess match unfolding in plain sight. UAE Team Emirates has just unveiled its roster for the season’s first Monument, and it’s a lineup that screams ambition—but also raises questions. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how the team is balancing proven talent with fresh blood, all while chasing a victory that’s eluded them with Tadej Pogačar at the helm.
A Squad Built for Pogačar, But With a Twist
On paper, Pogačar’s support team is a mix of reliability and raw potential. Isaac del Toro, fresh off his Tirreno-Adriatico win, is the obvious anchor. But the absence of Tim Wellens, a rider who’s been Pogačar’s shadow in past campaigns, is a glaring omission. Wellens’ collarbone injury isn’t just a physical setback—it’s a strategic one. He’s the kind of rider who reads Pogačar’s moves like a second brain, and his absence leaves a void that newcomers like Brandon McNulty and Jan Christen will need to fill.
McNulty’s inclusion is a bold move. His GP Montréal victory last year showed he’s no one-trick pony, but San Remo is a different beast. It’s a race that demands patience, positioning, and a dash of luck. Personally, I’m intrigued to see how he adapts to the race’s unique rhythm. Christen, meanwhile, is the wildcard. His Strade Bianche performance hinted at his potential, but San Remo’s longer distance and tactical complexity will test him in ways he’s never experienced.
Merckx’s Advice: A Reminder of What’s Missing
Eddy Merckx, the race’s seven-time winner, recently weighed in on Pogačar’s San Remo curse. His advice? Focus on the team’s collective effort, not just Pogačar’s individual brilliance. This raises a deeper question: has UAE been too reliant on Pogačar’s superhuman abilities? In my opinion, they’ve often treated him as a one-man show, which works in stage races but falls short in the classics. San Remo’s finale is a chaotic sprint where even the greatest riders need a well-oiled machine behind them.
What many people don’t realize is that Merckx’s dominance in this race wasn’t just about his legs—it was about his team’s ability to control the narrative from start to finish. UAE has the firepower, but do they have the cohesion? If you take a step back and think about it, their strategy has been reactive rather than proactive. This year, they’ll need to dictate terms, not just respond to them.
The Psychological Game: Pressure and Expectations
Pogačar’s quest for San Remo victory has become a psychological battle as much as a physical one. Every year, the narrative builds: Can he finally win it? This pressure isn’t just on him—it’s on the entire team. A detail that I find especially interesting is how UAE has handled this pressure in the past. They’ve often played it safe, relying on Pogačar’s late attack. But what this really suggests is a lack of Plan B. If Pogačar is marked or has an off day, who steps up?
This year’s roster hints at a shift in mindset. McNulty and Christen aren’t just domestiques—they’re riders who can animate the race. If UAE uses them to disrupt the peloton early, it could create the space Pogačar needs in the finale. But this strategy requires trust, something that’s been missing in their past campaigns.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?
San Remo isn’t just another race for UAE—it’s a statement. Winning it with Pogačar would cement his status as a true all-rounder, capable of dominating both stage races and one-day classics. But failure would raise uncomfortable questions about the team’s approach. From my perspective, this is UAE’s best chance yet. The roster is stronger, the competition is fierce but not insurmountable, and Merckx’s advice has given them a roadmap.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it fits into the broader narrative of cycling’s evolution. Teams are no longer content with specializing in one discipline. They want riders who can win everywhere, and Pogačar is the poster child for this shift. But to truly achieve that, UAE needs to rethink their classics strategy. This San Remo could be the turning point—or another chapter in a frustrating saga.
Final Thoughts
As the race approaches, I’m left with one overriding thought: UAE has the pieces, but do they have the puzzle solved? Pogačar’s talent is undeniable, but cycling’s Monuments are won by teams, not individuals. This year’s San Remo will test not just his legs, but UAE’s ability to adapt, innovate, and execute under pressure. Personally, I think they’ve got a fighting chance—but only if they’re willing to rewrite the script.
