“Those Two Guys Have Taken Several Years Off My Life” – Ganna Reflects on Brutal Battle
“Those Two Guys Have Taken Several Years Off My Life” – Ganna Reflects on Brutal Battle
Filippo Ganna left everything on the road in the 2025 edition of Milan-San Remo, battling against cycling’s biggest stars, Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar. The Italian powerhouse delivered one of his most impressive performances in a Monument classic but admitted that the effort had drained him completely.
“Those two guys have taken several years off my life,” Ganna quipped after the race, a nod to the sheer intensity of the battle on the Poggio and the final dash to the Via Roma finish.
The Race Unfolds: Ganna vs. the Best in the World
As expected, Milan-San Remo followed its classic script—a long, steady build-up before an explosive finale on the famous Poggio climb. With nearly 300 kilometers in the legs, the race reached its decisive moments when UAE Team Emirates’ Tadej Pogačar launched a brutal attack on the Poggio. The Slovenian, known for his relentless uphill accelerations, forced an elite selection.
Only two riders managed to respond: defending champion Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers). While Pogačar’s attack dropped many contenders, Ganna showcased his ever-improving climbing ability, staying glued to the wheels of two of the sport’s most explosive riders.
As they crested the Poggio, Van der Poel—renowned for his devastating descents—took charge, pushing the limits on the technical downhill towards San Remo. Ganna, known more for his raw power than his descending skills, clung on, determined not to let the race slip away.
The Final Sprint and Ganna’s Heroic Effort
With the chasers failing to close the gap, the race came down to a three-man sprint on the Via Roma. Van der Poel, the reigning champion, opened up the sprint first. Ganna, using his world-class time-trialing strength, surged forward, but ultimately, the Dutchman had the extra kick to take the victory.
Van der Poel claimed his second Milan-San Remo title, with Ganna securing an impressive second place and Pogačar settling for third. While the Italian fell just short of victory, his performance proved once again that he is not just a time-trial specialist—he is a genuine contender in the toughest one-day races.
Ganna’s Growth as a Classics Rider
In the past, Ganna was seen primarily as a time-trial machine and a track star. However, performances like this one confirm that he has evolved into one of the most versatile riders in the peloton. Last year’s Paris-Roubaix podium hinted at his growing classics potential, and now, a second-place finish at Milan-San Remo cements his status as a top-tier one-day racer.
After the race, Ganna reflected on the brutal effort required to match riders like Van der Poel and Pogačar. His humorous remark about them taking “several years off his life” highlighted just how deep he had to dig. But while the battle may have been exhausting, it also showcased Ganna’s incredible resilience and growing capabilities in the toughest races.
With his continued development, it may only be a matter of time before Filippo Ganna claims a Monument victory of his own.
